Saharan dust plume to reach Florida by weekend, Texas by next week

A Saharan dust plume covering the tropical Atlantic from the coast of Africa to the northwestern Caribbean and into the Gulf is expected to reach Florida by the weekend.

The dust is forecast to reach southern and central Florida by Saturday, May 31, and linger for several days afterward.

Computer models show a larger and denser plume could reach Florida by the middle of next week, following the initial wave of dust on Saturday. The dust is expected to reach Texas by Tuesday, June 3.

The cloud has already reached Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands on May 27, reducing visibility and creating hazy skies. Additional dust is forecast to move into the region by Saturday and remain until Tuesday.

Saharan dust events are common in late spring and summer as large plumes regularly cross the Atlantic during this period. The dry air and particulate matter carried by these plumes can suppress the development of tropical cyclones and reduce rainfall chances.

Saharan Dust Update: There's not a thing "unusual" about this large blob of Saharan Dust crossing the Atlantic this time of the year. No special precautions are needed. It can, however, zap developing tropical systems of moisture and can diminish ran chances. pic.twitter.com/IRB3l09KmX

— Denis Phillips (@DenisPhillipsWx) May 30, 2025

Saharan dust, also referred to as the Saharan Air Layer (SAL), originates from the Sahara Desert and is lifted between 1.6 km (1 mile) and 6 km (3.7 miles) into the air by tropical waves in the Atlantic.

This natural phenomenon is the largest global source of aeolian soil dust, contributing nearly half of all such material deposited into the world’s oceans.

The layer of dust is about 3–4 km (2–2.5 miles) thick and contains warm, dry air and strong winds that transport it westward across the Atlantic to North America. When plumes are large enough, they can affect the contiguous United States.

Each year, more than 180 million tons of this mineral-rich dust are transported across the Atlantic, reaching Europe, the Mediterranean, the Caribbean, and North America.

The minerals carried by the SAL contribute to soil fertility and the oceans in the affected regions by providing micronutrients essential for plant growth and marine life.

However, the dust transport also degrades air quality in affected regions, posing risks to vulnerable populations such as those with asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), or severe allergies.

According to the American Lung Association, wheezing and coughing may indicate elevated levels of dust exposure. To reduce risk, individuals are advised to stay indoors and wear a face covering when outside.

One visible effect of the SAL is the enhancement of sunset colors, particularly in Florida, where the hazy layer of dust scatters sunlight and creates vivid orange hues in the evening skies.