‘Massive’ Saharan dust cloud moves toward Gulf Coast. Here’s what South MS can expect
A “massive” cloud of Saharan dust is heading toward the Gulf Coast this weekend, AccuWeather forecasters said.
“Typically when dust is in the air and high pressure is governing the weather, there can be some air quality concerns, depending on the thickness of the dust,” AccuWeather Senior Meteorologist Chad Merrill told McClatchy News in a June 5 email. “In this case, the air quality is only expected to reach the Moderate range and not unhealthy for sensitive groups.”
Here’s what Mississippians should know about the Saharan dust.
What is Saharan dust?
Saharan dust, or the Saharan Air Layer, is a plume of dry, dusty air that arises over the Saharan Desert and can travel thousands of miles from its origins, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
Each year, dust clouds are carried across the Atlantic Ocean and can impact the U.S., experts said.
When is Saharan dust season?
Saharan dust in the U.S. ramps up mid-June and peaks from late June through mid-August, NOAA experts said.
Does Saharan dust stop hurricanes?
Sometimes. The warmth and dryness that come with the dust can suppress hurricane development, according to Smithsonian Magazine.
Can Saharan dust impact health?
Yes, because Saharan dust particles are very small, everyone is at risk of inhaling dust into the lungs and experiencing related respiratory symptoms, according to the American Lung Association.
Those most susceptible to the dust are people living with chronic respiratory conditions, including asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, children and older adults, experts said.
This round of dust won’t be thick enough to cause visibility or air quality concerns, and thunderstorms and showers this weekend will weaken the layer of dust from the atmosphere, Merrill said.
How to stay healthy with Saharan dust
Here’s how to stay healthy on high dust days, according to the American Lung Association:
- Stay inside or limit your time outside and keep all doors and windows closed
- Set your air conditioning to recirculate to avoid exposure to outdoor air
- Wear a high-quality mask, like an N-95 or KN95 mask
- Use a HEPA air filter
- Monitor your symptoms and see a healthcare provider if you have worsening symptoms including coughing or wheezing, shortness of breath, scratchy throat and itchy, watery eyes or nose
