Massive Saharan dust plume pushes towards Florida, Gulf Coast, packing hazy, milky skies as temperatures soar
A plume of Saharan dust has reached parts of Florida, bringing hazy skies Wednesday as the blanket of African dust is expected to send temperatures soaring across the Gulf Coast this weekend and is a contributing factor to the ongoing pause in the Atlantic hurricane season.
MIAMI — Parts of Florida are continuing to see hazy skies on Thursday, due to a plume of Saharan dust that has shrouded the Sunshine State. The blanket of African dust is expected to send temperatures soaring across the Gulf Coast this weekend and is a contributing factor to the ongoing pause in the Atlantic hurricane season.
The dust has traveled more than 5,000 miles across the ocean and is expected to expand into the Gulf through the weekend, reaching parts of South Texas by Monday.
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The Saharan Air Layer is a mass of very dry, dusty air that forms over the African desert and is lofted high into the atmosphere by strong winds. While its dry air typically suppresses tropical storm development, it also heavily impacts Florida and portions of the Gulf Coast states with warmer temperatures and reduced air quality, the FOX Forecast Center said.
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Dust was spotted on Florida Department of Transportation cameras over Miami on Wednesday afternoon.
Video from Dania Beach, Florida on Wednesday morning showed a slightly hazy sunrise as the dust creeps closer to the Southeast.
By Sunday, the highest dust concentration will expand across the entire Gulf of America, bringing dust to portions of South Texas on Monday.
The dust is forecast to remain around the Gulf Coast and Florida through most of next week.
Beyond the vibrant sunsets and milky skies, the dust could act as a thermal blanket, allowing temperatures to soar, the FOX Forecast Center said.
The U.S. Virgin Islands in the Caribbean will also be affected by the dust, with the Department of Health warning residents of the extreme temperatures and the dust.
The FOX Forecast Center warned that thick dust may also impact air quality, potentially affecting those sensitive to air quality changes.
FOX Weather will continue to bring you the latest forecasts and information as the dust gets closer.
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