3 days ago
Map Shows Which States Could Be Impacted by Saharan Dust
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources.
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Clouds of Saharan dust carried by winds across the Atlantic Ocean are expected to cause hazy skies over parts of Florida, the Southeast, and the Gulf Coast this week, according to forecasters.
Why It Matters
Health officials warn that deteriorating air quality poses a health risk to the public, particularly for sensitive groups such as children, older adults, and those with preexisting conditions.
What To Know
Forecasters at AccuWeather said most of the plume would arrive in Florida by early Wednesday, extending across more of the Southeast by Thursday.
In some areas, dust and smoke may combine, creating a particularly hazy or dull sky and worse air quality than if only one element were present, the outlet said, though it also said the majority of Saharan dust is forecast to stay suspended thousands of feet above the ground, with little effect on surface-level air quality.
The dust originated in the Sahara Desert, AccuWeather said, where strong winds regularly blow dry air and dust westward from late spring through early fall.
An AccuWeather map shows which areas could be impacted by Saharan dust this week.
An AccuWeather map shows which areas could be impacted by Saharan dust this week.
AccuWeather
Much of the U.S. is also being impacted by wildfire smoke from neighboring Canada, which has already prompted numerous air quality alerts in roughly a dozen states.
As of early Thursday, the National Weather Service (NWS) had published alerts for a slew of states, including parts of Maine, Michigan, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Connecticut, New York, Maryland, Nebraska, Illinois, Indiana, Wisconsin, and Iowa.
Smoke from the blazes was expected to increase the concentration of fine particulates, according to the numerous air-quality alerts, and residents in affected areas were advised to consider limiting strenuous outdoor physical activity to reduce the risk of adverse health effects.
What People Are Saying
AccuWeather meteorologist Alex DaSilva said, in an advisory shared with Newsweek on Wednesday: "This is the biggest Saharan dust plume that we've seen so far this year. It is very common to see large plumes of Saharan dust coming across the Atlantic toward the United States in June and July."
"Many people will notice more colorful sunrises and sunsets, and a milky or hazy look in the sky."
Today In Florida weather anchor Vivian Gonzalez said on X, formerly Twitter, Thursday: "If you suffer from respiratory issues or allergies, the air quality is moderate due to the thicker plume of Saharan Dust that has settled across South Florida. Please take the proper precautions."
What Happens Next
In an advisory shared with Newsweek on Wednesday, AccuWeather forecast that impacts from Saharan dust would be noticeable across parts of the Southeast and Gulf Coasts by Friday.
