Saharan Dust will create a hazy skyline this week
AUSTIN (KXAN) – A large plume of Saharan Dust will create hazy skies across Central Texas this week. You can also expect vibrant sunrises and sunsets.
What is Saharan Dust?
Saharan Dust is composed of sand and fine particles, carried aloft by trade winds. This dust is from the Saharan Desert, which is largest hot desert in the world, spanning over 3.5 million miles.
These plumes can travel thousands of miles, reducing air quality and even suppressing tropical development. Saharan dust is different from common dust storms in West Texas.
This weekend, a large plume of dust continues to move northwest toward Texas and will impact our area for several days.
Saharan Dust can affect those prone to asthma, strong allergies and other common respiratory conditions. The fine dust particles also lead to irritation of the eyes, nose and throat.
Additional plumes of Saharan Dust typically arrives until the end of the summer.
