FLORIDA - A thick blanket of Saharan dust has arrived in South Florida, creating hazy skies and impacting weather patterns across the region.
This latest plume is the most concentrated one seen this season.
It is expected to stay over the area for several days, giving the sky a hazy or milky look and significantly reducing the chances of rain.
Though residents may be familiar with Saharan dust during hurricane season, its effects stretch far beyond storm prevention.
Saharan dust is made up of fine particles that originate in the Sahara Desert.
During monsoon activity in the Sahel region, powerful winds push this dust into the air.
Once airborne, trade winds carry it across the Atlantic Ocean and into the Caribbean, South America, and parts of the United States.
The presence of this dust can limit the formation of tropical storms by introducing dry air into the atmosphere.
It also acts as a lid, suppressing the rise of humid air that fuels daily thunderstorms.
By reflecting sunlight, the dust may also slightly reduce air and ocean temperatures.
Scientists say the dust plays a key role in natural ecosystems.
It provides nutrients to ocean phytoplankton and helps enrich soil in regions such as the Amazon.
NASA experts note that these long distance dust travels can be tracked from space and are vital to global environmental processes.
While sunsets and sunrises may appear more colorful during this period, those with respiratory issues are advised to take caution as air quality may worsen.
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