By: Staff Writer
July 16, 2024
Saharan dust is blowing into the Atlantic and it is suppressing the development of storms for the time being weather researchers are saying.
Also called the Saharan Air Layer (SAL) by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, the dust forms over the Sahara Desert during the late spring, summer and early fall.
The National Hurricane Center doesn’t expect tropical development anywhere in the Gulf of Mexico, Caribbean Sea or Atlantic Ocean for at least the next seven days.
After Beryl had battered Grenada and Jamaica, the region could use a break. It’s currently the most Saharan dust across the Atlantic Basin in over two years, according to WPLG-TV hurricane specialist Michael Lowry.
Lowry said the plume is the largest since the hurricane season began June 1. It’s a common tourist in the Atlantic basin at this time of year, typically peaking in late June and early July with a proclivity to spoil tropical development by stealing moisture from the air.
“The tropical Atlantic appears ready for a summer vacation this week,” Lowry said.
Satellite measurements indicate intensive plumes of dust, or SAL, across much of the eastern Atlantic. Traces of dust have even made the more than 4,000-mile journey to Florida and the Gulf Coast.
Sunrises and sunsets have been enhanced across the Sunshine State as the particles scatter typical colors, allowing hues of orange, yellow and red to dominate the sky.
Aside from the vibrant colors, something not falling from the sky is precipitation.
According to NOAA, the air surrounding the SAL has about 50% less moisture than the typical atmosphere. This means the presence of the SAL can be detrimental to cloud formation and thunderstorm activity.
In layman’s terms, because of the special way Saharan dust scatters sunlight, the best times of day to spot it are usually a few hours after sunrise and in the late afternoon, according to the SAL website. During the day, the sky will have a hazy white look and sunsets will take on an orange glow.
As a result of the Saharan dust, we should expect extremely dry air and warmer temperatures.