A significant dust cloud from the Sahara Desert has enveloped much of the Caribbean, marking the largest event of its kind this year. Spanning about 2,000 miles from Jamaica to Barbados and reaching 750 miles from the Turks and Caicos Islands to Trinidad and Tobago, the plume of dust has raised concerns among residents. Many are experiencing sneezing, coughing, and itchy eyes, prompting health officials to advise those with allergies or respiratory issues to stay indoors or wear masks outdoors.
The dust’s concentration is notably high, with an aerosol optical depth measurement recorded at .55, indicating it effectively blocks direct sunlight. This concentration, the largest this year, poses potential health risks. Forecasters expect the dust plume to reach the southeastern United States, including Florida, Louisiana, Alabama, and Mississippi, later this week. However, it tends to lose some intensity as it moves further westward.
The dry air that creates these dust clouds, called the Saharan Air Layer, typically travels across the Atlantic from Africa between April and October. This seasonal phenomenon can also inhibit the formation of tropical waves during the Atlantic hurricane season, which runs until the end of November. The peak months for dust concentration are usually June and July.
In 2020, a massive dust cloud—dubbed the “Godzilla dust cloud”—set records for its size and concentration, not seen in several decades. Current conditions are reminiscent of such past events, with local meteorologists noting the impacts on sunlight and air quality across the affected regions.
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