Latest news with #Saharan
Ya Biladi
5 hours ago
- Politics
- Ya Biladi
After updating Morocco's map to include the Sahara, France revises the Kingdom's total area
France continues to update its official data on Morocco following its recognition of Moroccan sovereignty over Western Sahara. After publishing the kingdom's complete map, including the southern provinces, on October 29, 2024, French diplomacy has now updated Morocco's official area on its website—raising it from 446,550 km² to 710,850 km². This update reflects the political decisions made by Paris, notably following the letter sent by President Emmanuel Macron to King Mohammed VI on July 30, 2024. Earlier this week, the French ambassador inaugurated a visa application office in Laayoune, marking another step in this policy shift. This opening follows the announcement of a €150 million investment in Morocco's Saharan provinces, made by the Director General of the French Development Agency (AFD) during a visit to Laayoune. It's worth recalling that in February, both the President of the Senate, Gérard Larcher, and the Minister of Culture, Rachida Dati, visited Laâyoune and Dakhla separately.
Yahoo
18 hours ago
- Climate
- Yahoo
Houston weather: Storms possible on Friday evening, better chance on Sunday
The Brief Few storms Friday evening, then a better chance Sunday On Sunday afternoon, a few storms could be strong Hurricane season begins Sunday, June 1 HOUSTON - Storm chances will remain in the Houston area on Friday evening with a higher chance coming on Sunday. A weak cold front brought some heavy rain, small hail and gusty winds, along with frequent lightning this morning. A few more storms may fire up near the front through this evening before it pushes south of the area. High pressure is expected to build in Saturday, which will mean temperatures a little bit hotter and rain chances a bit lower. Look for a 20% chance for a few afternoon and evening showers and storms Saturday. Another disturbance will bring in a better chance for spotty to scattered showers and storms Sunday afternoon and evening. Watch out because a few of these storms could be on the strong side with hail, gusty winds and frequent lightning. The 2025 Atlantic Hurricane Season begins on Sunday. All is looking quiet for now with Saharan dust moving across the Atlantic Ocean. NOAA is predicting 13-19 named storms, 6-10 hurricanes and 3-5 major hurricanes. Now is the time to prepare. Tropical Storm Alvin formed in the eastern Pacific Ocean Thursday and is expected to gradually weaken as it tracks north towards Cabo San Lucas the next few days. This system stays well away from the gulf coast. The Source Information provided by your Gulf Coast Weather Authority Team.
Yahoo
21 hours ago
- Climate
- Yahoo
Will a significant plume of Saharan dust reach the US next week?
Forecasters are keeping a close eye on a significant plume of Saharan dust that is making its way off of Africa and through the Atlantic for the possibility that it could reach parts of the United States late next week. Every year, NOAA estimates more than 180 million tons of dust leave the African continent, with the extremely dry air cutting down on thunderstorm activity and tropical cyclone formation. With the help of forecast models and satellites, meteorologists are tracking whether the current plume will survive its trek across the Atlantic Ocean or simply mix out of the atmosphere to be noticeable. If it does survive the trek, it could mark the first major visible dust event of the season across Florida and the Gulf Coast, although it won't be the first wave of dust particles in the skies over the U.S. this year. 2025 Atlantic Hurricane Season Outlook: Here's How Active This Year Could Be Without El Nino, La Nina Patterns During the final days of May, a minor invasion of the particles was detected over parts of the Gulf of America, including the Florida Keys. The event was largely not visible to the naked eye but was confirmed using scientific data from weather balloons. Weather balloons equipped with radiosondes, an instrument that measures atmospheric conditions, picked up signs of mid-level dry air associated with Saharan dust over the Florida Keys on Friday. These devices provide critical data on temperature, humidity levels, and wind speeds and can help confirm the presence of fine airborne particles from Africa. Historically, Saharan dust outbreaks across the Atlantic peak in June and July before tapering off in late August. In 2024, record-breaking amounts of dust affected Europe, leading to hazy skies and subdued tropical cyclone development in the Atlantic basin. The SAL's dry, stable air acts as a suppresses tropical cyclone formation, which is one reason why early-season hurricane activity tends to be confined to the Gulf, Caribbean and western Atlantic. If the current plume maintains its density, it could bring hazy skies and colorful sunrises to Florida and cutdown on thunderstorm activity. During more pronounced events, the dust can also lead to potential health concerns; however, this outcome is fairly rare in the U.S. According to medical experts at WebMD, fine dust particles can irritate the eyes, nose and throat, particularly for individuals with respiratory illnesses. 5 Things To Know About The Saharan Dust PlumeOriginal article source: Will a significant plume of Saharan dust reach the US next week?
UPI
a day ago
- Climate
- UPI
Atlantic may spring to life just days after 2025 hurricane season begins
With the first day of Atlantic hurricane season on June 1, a window for homegrown tropical development will open during the second week of the month, and there could be some effect in the United States as a result, AccuWeather meteorologists warn. Over the next week to 10 days, moist and dry air will alternate over the Caribbean and as far north as Florida waters in the Gulf and Atlantic. Some of the dry air episodes will be accompanied by dust carried from the Sahara Desert for thousands of miles to the west. The dust may be visible when the sky is clear, and can result in colorful sunrises and sunsets. This wide image of the tropical eastern Pacific and the western Atlantic shows Alvin (far left) on Friday, May 30, 2025. Brown areas over the Caribbean (center) and Atlantic (right) are indicative of Saharan dust. (AccuWeather Enhanced RealVue™ Satellite) A moist zone is forecast to develop along the tail end of a cool front from South Florida to the Bahamas and Cuba from later this weekend to early next week. Repeating showers and heavy thunderstorms in this region can bring several inches of rain. In a few cases, a couple of inches of rain may pour down in an hour's time and result in street and highway flooding in cities such as Miami and Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Looking farther ahead, AccuWeather meteorologists are also monitoring a pulse of low pressure that works its way from east to west around the globe. "This pulse will be moving slowly through the zone from the western Caribbean and southern Gulf around the same time when a surge of moisture may develop," AccuWeather Tropical Meteorologist Alex Duffus said. "For these reasons and a drop in disruptive winds in the region, we are issuing a chance for tropical development." "We believe there could be some tropical development over an approximate period sometime from June 6-13," Duffus said. Should the first tropical depression or tropical storm unfold in the Atlantic during the second week of June, where it tracks will depend on how quickly it ramps up and the steering breezes at the time. There is a chance a tropical depression or storm wanders into the Gulf of America or perhaps drifts onshore and slowly unwinds over Central America, southeastern Mexico, or Cuba before the middle of the month. The first name on the list of 2025 Atlantic tropical storms and hurricanes is Andrea. Any impacts on the Florida Keys would likely be from June 10-13. Should a tropical depression or storm wander into the Gulf, heavy rain and gusty winds could be carried onshore somewhere along the United States mainland toward the middle of the month. Because of the uptick in squally showers and thunderstorms as early as this weekend and on through the middle of the month from the western Caribbean to the southern Gulf and Florida Straits, boating, fishing and cruise interests should monitor the situation. Alvin in the eastern Pacific became the first tropical storm of the season for either basin straddling Central and North America earlier this week.
Yahoo
a day ago
- Climate
- Yahoo
Saharan dust plume coming to Florida's air. Is it dangerous? How to protect yourself
Floridians may be treated to brilliant sunsets soon as two huge plumes of Saharan dust blow over the state, starting at the end of May. But for some people, dust in the air can mean anything from an itchy throat to more serious, lasting conditions. Every year from around June to September, a mass of sand, dirt and dry, dust air from the North Africa desert is pulled into the atmosphere to blow west. It's called the Saharan Air Layer (SAL), and it can help keep the hurricane season calmer as it dries out the air over the Atlantic and Caribbean basins. It's a thin layer, and many people may not even notice it other than marveling at the suddenly more vibrant skies at dusk. But it's still dust. Particulate matter is not good for human lungs. "Saharan dust lowers air quality by increasing the concentration of mineral dust, things like silica and quartz," Dr. Samuel Gurevich, a pulmonologist with Cleveland Clinic in Florida said in an email. "These tiny particles can travel deep into the lungs and cause significant inflammation." The dust also tends to make the air drier, which can further irritate airways, Gurevich said. This might mean a runny nose or itchy eyes. "But, for people with respiratory conditions, it can cause more serious symptoms or flare ups," he said. Studies have shown dramatically increased admissions to emergency rooms for asthma, pneumonia, heart failure and respiratory events during dust storms. A 2020 study in Miami showed a marked increase in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) ER visits during a Saharan dust event. Here's what to know. "People with respiratory conditions, like asthma and COPD (including chronic bronchitis and emphysema), are especially vulnerable," Gurevich said. "Exposure to the dust can trigger asthma attacks or COPD flare-ups, leading to serious symptoms like shortness of breath and coughing, and sometimes sever enough to require an ER visit." Saharan dust can also affect people living with heart disease or diabetes, and it's especially risky for babies, children, pregnant women and older adults. The effects can last for weeks after exposure, Gurevich said. Gurevich suggests staying indoors on bad days with poor air quality, with the windows closed and the air-conditioner running. Air purifiers can help, especially if fitted with HEPA filters. "If you need to go outside, consider wearing a dust or surgical mask," he said. "And if you're driving, make sure to keep the windows up and the AC on to help filter the air." If you have a respiratory condition, keep your inhalers and medications with you and ready to use at all times, If you're with someone who has asthma, especially younger children or older adults, keep an eye on them as they may not recognize or speak up about their symptoms right away. Extra precautions should be taken for children, who are more susceptible to poor air quality, according to the American Lung Association. Their lungs are still developing, and they breathe in more air (and consequently more pollution) for their size than adults. And don't forget your pets. You can track air quality in your area at Even healthy people may experience irritation of the eyes, nose and throat, coughing, chest tightness and shortness of breath during times of heavy dust. The symptoms should fade once you remove yourself from the area or the air quality improves. "If you notice difficulty breathing, wheezing or tightness in the chest, or if your inhaler isn't helping like it should, don't wait for symptoms to worsen," Gurevich said. "Seek medical care right away. The longer you wait, the harder and more dangerous it is to treat." If you're not sure, the American Lung Association's Lung HelpLine at 1-800-LUNGUSA is staffed by nurses and respiratory therapists and is a free resource to answer any questions about the lungs, lung disease and lung health, including how to protect yourself during days of poor air quality. Particle pollution is ranked based on the size of particulate matter (PM) — a mixture of solid particles and liquid droplets — in the air, according to the EPA. It's also called particle pollution. Particle pollution is ranked as: PM10: Inhalable particles with diameters generally 10 micrometers and smaller PM2.5: Fine inhalable particles, with diameters that are generally 2.5 micrometers and smaller. That's 30x smaller than the diameter of the average human hair. The microscopic solids and droplets can get into the lungs and possibly the bloodstrea This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Saharan dust to sweep over Florida. Here's how to protect your airways
