Saharan Dust Obscures Texas Skies

Saharan dust cloud blankets Texas, may have fueled Hurricane Beryl, forecasters say. [No author listed] (2023, June 27). Fox Weather. https://www.foxweather.com/weather-news/saharandust/sahara-dust-hurricane-beryl-texas-june-2023

The much-dreaded Saharan dust is back in Texas.

A dense plume of Saharan Dust continues moving into the western Gulf of Mexico on Wednesday, blanketing much of Texas and reducing air quality, forecasts show.

While the huge dust cloud is expected to decrease and shift east by Wednesday afternoon, it will return to the region as the massive Saharan Air Layer is expected to stick around over the next few weeks, decreasing rain chances.

Saharan Air Layer

The Saharan Air Layer, or SAL, is a pocket of extremely dry, dusty air that forms over the Sahara Desert in Northern Africa and moves into the Atlantic Ocean throughout the year. When SAL moves over the Atlantic, it suppresses tropical development due to its dry, stable air.

What is Saharan dust made of?

The Saharan Air Layer is composed of sand and dust particles that are whipped into the atmosphere from the Sahara Desert, which covers much of northern Africa. This dust cloud can reach heights of 5,000 to 20,000 feet, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

FOX Weather explained:

"Once it moves off the coast of Africa, the dry, dusty air that makes up the Saharan Air Layer typically moves west over the Atlantic and can even make its way to the Gulf of Mexico and the United States."

Contributing factor to Hurricane Beryl?

It is likely that the Saharan dust contributed to the rapid intensification of Hurricane Beryl over the weekend. Record-high temperatures fueled the storm's rapid strengthening, and the dust plume's heavy moisture provided the perfect conditions for the Category 4 hurricane to form.

Breathing difficulties

Health officials are urging people with respiratory issues to stay indoors and avoid physical activity outside as the dust will likely cause adverse health effects.

Health risks include:

• Allergies
• Skin and eye irritation
• Sore throat
• Breathing difficulties