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Lack of hurricanes due to Saharan dust

11:00
27 July 2024

Dust on the WeatherRadar
Lack of hurricanes due to Saharan dust

If you are itching for a tropical escape, a good spot right now would be in the Caribbean. That’s unless you suffer from respiratory issues.

A deep layer of Saharan dust is traveling over the eastern Caribbean and another deep plume follows it, as can be seen on the WeatherRadar!

Saharan dust prevents tropical storm formation, which is good for holidaymakers. Usually, Saharan dust is more prominent during June, but this year dust has lasted through July, making it the second dustiest July on record.

The dust brings other problems like warmer temperatures and respiratory issues for those with pre-existing issues. The dust has been reaching as far west as Texas.

Desert aerosol optical thickness. Yellow shows higher count with plume of Saharan dust moving westward.

You can take us with you on your trip anywhere and know how the Air Quality Index will be at the location you will be visiting, anywhere in the world!

How Saharan dust impacts air qualityread more

Saharan dust brings lots of nutrients to forest and marine ecosystems, but it also brings lots of iron, which marine microorganisms, like algae, can feed off.

As it grows, it can become toxic, making red tide bloom. The red tide can happen at any time of the year, but in Florida, it becomes an issue in the late summer and fall months once the microorganisms have settled and had lots to feed.

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