ORLANDO, Fla. – Another round of Saharan dust is approaching Florida for the weekend. At the same time, tropical thunderstorms are expected to erupt as the sea breezes ignite from the heating of the day.
Saharan dust is common early on in hurricane season usually peaking in June or July.
The Saharan Air Layer, where the dry, dusty air is, typically hangs out around 15,000 feet above the ground. Typical summertime thunderstorms in Florida routinely reach 30 or 40,000 feet. The raindrops that fall through the layer can bring down some of that dust to the surface.
Oftentimes, after the rain dries up, a dusty, brown residue is left over on anything that gets wet.
If you notice brown dots or splatters on your car or porch furniture after the rain dries up, you can blame the dust all the way from the Saharan Desert.
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The arrival of the dust could also mean air quality issues for sensitive groups. It will be important to monitor the air quality through the weekend.
The Saharan dust plume taking over much of the Atlantic is partially responsible for the extended quiet stretch on the tropics.
Pending clear skies, the dust in the atmosphere can help enhance the color in the sky during sunrise and sunset.
The Ribbon Maker
The Saharan Dust has arrived in Altamonte
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