Dust from the Sahara reaches the USA: how it affects the weather

Dust from the Sahara across the Atlantic has reached the United States, and this only pleases the Americans, as it reduces the potential for developing tropical storms and hurricanes. Writes about it WFLA.

Photo: Shutterstock

Saharan dust begins over the Sahara Desert in Africa as a large area of ​​dry, dusty air. A layer or mass of air can be captured by atmospheric winds and travel long distances—often crossing the Atlantic Ocean in early summer.

There is a definite benefit to this dust, and it is not just hurricane containment. The Amazon rainforest is usually devoid of phosphorus and nutrients after heavy rains and floods, and the dust of the Sahara feeds the vegetation and soil of the rainforest. It can also fertilize plankton and cause blooms across the Atlantic Ocean and into the Gulf of Mexico. Plus it feeds ocean creatures, writes kxan.

Is this dust harmful

Not. Most of the Saharan dust remains about a mile (about 1,5 km) above the surface. Since it is high in the atmosphere, people do not breathe it.

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And to clear up one of the most common misconceptions, this is not your typical "dust storm."

However, dust can create spectacular sunsets by scattering dust particles.

Wow. #SaharanDust over San Juan, Puerto Rico, today.
pic.twitter.com/kAC42Izxtn

- David Begnaud (@DavidBegnaud) June 22, 2020

Keeping silence

When dust from the Sahara moves over the Atlantic, as it does now, dryness and high wind shear tend to reduce the likelihood of tropical storms and hurricanes developing and weaken any existing storms.

"Sugar dust is usually present early in the season and pushes through storm formation, but as hurricane season intensifies in the fall, it won't help," said Chief Meteorologist Steve Jerve.

Massive Saharan dust cloud shrouds #Mexico.#MexicoDustStorm #DustStorm #saharadustcloud #SaharanDust #saharandustcloud #storm #dustcloud #DustPlume pic.twitter.com/J0N3GAQgLV

- Annu Kaushik (@ AnnuKaushik253) June 26, 2020

Dust in Texas

The dust reached Texas on July 12 and other parts of the United States. High dust concentrations are common here at this time of the year. But it reduces air quality, despite the fact that the state already has a "moderate index" of air quality.

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A moderate index means that a small number of unusually sensitive people may have health problems. The elderly and very young, as well as people with asthma and other respiratory conditions, are at greatest risk. It is important for these people to limit their time outdoors.

It should be noted that dust is an irritant, not an allergen, so allergy medications will not help prevent discomfort. It does not cause sneezing or a runny nose, but it can cause itchy eyes and a sore throat. The best prevention to avoid discomfort is to limit your time outdoors or wear a mask.

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