Saharan Dust Plume Hits Gulf Coast - What to Expect

A massive cloud of dust from Africa's Sahara Desert is sweeping across Florida and the Gulf Coast this week, creating both gorgeous sunsets and hazy conditions for millions of folks. This Saharan dust plume stretches roughly 2,000 miles wide and 750 miles long, making it the biggest to reach America so far this year.

Gulf Coast weather gets an interesting twist when these dust clouds show up each summer. The particles create more vibrant sunrises and sunsets while also messing with air quality and even hurricane development. This happens every year, though some seasons bring way more dust than others.

How Desert Dust Travels So Far

Atmospheric dust doesn't just magically appear over American skies - it takes quite a journey to get here. Trade winds grab dust and sand from the Sahara Desert, lift it high up, and carry it across the entire Atlantic Ocean. June and July typically dump the heaviest dust loads on the Gulf Coast.