PHOENIX — A massive plume of Saharan dust originating from the western coast of Africa has settled over Florida, which should help prevent tropical storms and hurricanes from forming, for now.
The Saharan Air Layer, or SAL, is a mass of dry dusty air that travels more than 5,000 miles across the Atlantic toward the United States. It occurs from late spring into early fall and can reach as far west as Texas.
Saharan dust can form when ripples in the lower-to-middle atmosphere, called tropical waves, track along the southern edge of the Sahara Desert and loft vast amounts of dust into the atmosphere. As the SAL crosses the Atlantic, it can fill over two miles as a thick layer of the atmosphere with its base starting about one mile above the surface. The warmth, dryness, and strong winds associated with the layer have been shown to suppress tropical cyclone formation and intensification, according to the National Hurricane Center.
While the dust suppresses tropical activity, it also brings replenishing nutrients to the Amazon rainforest.
Arizona is no stranger to dust, especially as monsoons pop up around the state. During this time, poor air quality can cause issues for those with asthma and upper respiratory complications as particulate matter is breathed in. Symptoms are similar to allergic reactions. Dust can also cause skin and eye irritation.
While anyone can be affected by Saharan dust or blowing dust in the desert caused by outflow winds, there are some groups at higher risk than others including babies and children, older adults, people with underlying conditions and those with heart or lung conditions.
Arizona Weather
Arizona has seen its fair share of severe weather. Here is a compilation of videos from various storms across the Grand Canyon state.
