Massive Saharan Dust Cloud Headed For US, Florida Warned Of ‘Dirty Rain': What's Happening?
A smaller plume reached Florida over the weekend and lingered into Monday while a more intense wave is now approaching.
A massive Saharan dust plume, the largest of the year so far, is currently blanketing the Caribbean and is expected to reach the southeastern United States by the end of the week. Stretching nearly 2,000 miles from Jamaica to beyond Barbados and around 750 miles from the Turks and Caicos Islands down to Trinidad and Tobago, the huge plume has already led to reduced visibility and deteriorating air quality in affected areas. At present, the dust cloud covers large portions of the Caribbean, including Cuba, Haiti and the Dominican Republic.
US To Be Hit By Saharan Dust Plume
Forecasters said that the plume is drifting northwest and will begin impacting Florida by mid-week. By Friday this week, the dust is expected to spread further inland, reaching states such as Georgia, the Carolinas, Texas, Louisiana, Alabama and Mississippi.
A smaller plume reached Florida over the weekend and lingered into Monday while a more intense wave is now approaching and is forecast to affect a much wider region, forecasters warned.
Weather and health officials advise people in affected areas, especially those with respiratory issues, to limit outdoor activity as the dust cloud moves through.
What Is The Saharan Air Layer?
The dust cloud is part of the Saharan Air Layer (SAL) which is a dry, dusty mass of air that typically travels from North Africa across the Atlantic between April and October. These plumes often reach their peak intensity in June and July and travel at altitudes ranging from 5,000 to 20,000 feet.
While the dust can reduce air quality and visibility, it also plays a role in suppressing tropical storm development which helps during the Atlantic hurricane season that runs from June 1 to November 30.
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Mallika Soni
When not reading, this ex-literature student can be found searching for an answer to the question, "What is the purpose of journalism in society?"
First Published:
June 04, 2025, 23:19 IST
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