
Saharan Dust Moves Toward Texas And Louisiana: What You Should Know
(KHLA - Texas/Louisiana) - It's that time again when thick dust clouds from Africa make their way across the Atlantic Ocean and settle in Texas and Louisiana. We have all the details on four things you need to know about Saharan dust.
The dust cloud travels hundreds of miles over the Atlantic Ocean after forming in northern Africa's Sahara Desert. Currently over Florida, there is a massive dust cloud that is 750 miles long from north to south and 2,000 miles broad from west to east.

Texas and Louisiana residents may not see the same "dust action" as Floridians, however, NOLA.com is reporting that Saharan dust has entered over the Lone Star and Bayou States.
Every three to five days during peak dust season, massive dust outbreaks the size of the continental United States are sent off the western coast of Africa.
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4 Things To Know About Saharan Dust:
Dr. Paul Miller from the Department of Oceanography and Coastal Sciences at LSU, were asked some questions about Saharan Dust:
1. Can Saharan Dust Cause Health Issues?
Dr. Miller says for those who are sensitive, such as those with asthma or a fragile respiratory system, the Saharan Air Layer may be a significant challenge. The dust might irritate the respiratory system because it is a type of extremely small particulate matter.
2. Is There A Link With Saharan Dust And Droughts?
Dr. Miller says areas quickly run into a shortage of water resources if you don't receive your typical repeated afternoon thunderstorm activity. We tend to link these massive dust pulses with dryness in locations like Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands because the Saharan Air Layer can actually inhibit thunderstorm activity there.
3. Is Saharan Dust Bad For Tropical Systems?
Dr. Miller says it's quite hot and dry just because all of this air is coming from a desert. Furthermore, the trade winds that transport the SAL across the Atlantic also frequently provide as a source of shear for tropical storms that are forming. Additionally, the Saharan air sometimes shades the water due to the abundance of dust.
4. Does Saharan Dust Break Up Tropical Systems?
Dr. Miller says nn certain situations, a tropical system may have already developed, in which case it may be able to defend itself against the impacts of the dry air. It can somewhat protect itself from the entrance of dry air that we will discuss. As a result, certain storms can withstand the SAL's worsening effects and occasionally even get stronger.
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