The biggest dust storm ever seen from the Sahara this hurricane season is heading across the Atlantic Ocean. The dust giant is expected to reach the Gulf of Mexico and the Gulf of Florida by the end of the week, and experts say it could play a key role in the formation of the storm.
The dry and dusty air associated with the Saharan air layer (SAL) absorbs moisture, an important element for tropical storms and hurricanes. Experts believe that this particular plume will block the development of storms as they travel from Africa to the Caribbean and reach Florida.
While this may be good news for those expecting a hurricane season, meteorologists warn that the SAL’s effects are temporary. This dust is most common in the Atlantic Basin in late June and early July, and its effect diminishes by mid to late July.
What Is Sahara Dust?
Covering 3.5 million square kilometers across Africa, the vast Sahara desert acts as a major source of dust. This dust, called the Saharan air layer (SAL) by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), is formed during the warmer months, from late spring to early fall.
These huge dust clouds can travel incredible distances, affecting areas thousands of kilometers from their African origin. Interestingly, heat, drought, and strong winds associated with dust clouds have a documented effect on suppressing the formation of tropical cyclones.
How does Sahara dust affect climate, weather and storms?
Saharan dust affects climate, weather, and storms through very dry air, weakening storms by promoting wind products, the African Easterly Jet that increases wind shear and disrupts storm structures, and warm air that reduces cloud formation and stabilizes the atmosphere. Mineral dust absorbs sunlight, absorbs heat from the Saharan air layer, and flows across the Atlantic, further limiting the development of tropical cyclones.