Why is the sky cloudy this week? Huge Saharan dust plume crosses Texas

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This is just the first appearance of many this summer. Dust from the Sahara will return to Texas several times over the next few weeks.

The much-dreaded Saharan dust has returned to Texas, bringing hazy skies and breathing difficulties to much of the state this week.

Forecasts show that much of the huge dust wave will dissipate by Wednesday afternoon, but it’s just one of several appearances the Saharan Air Layer is expected to make in Texas over the next few weeks — reducing the state’s chances of rain and increasing the difficulties for those. with respiratory or breathing problems.

What is Saharan dust?

The Saharan air layer, also known as Saharan dust, is composed of sand, dirt and other dust particles raised in the atmosphere from the Saharan desert in northern Africa.

According to FOX Weather, the Saharan air layer is a dry pocket of air somewhere between 5,000 and 15,000 feet above sea level. Once a pocket of Saharan dust begins to move westward across the Atlantic, it is relatively easy to track using infrared satellite products.

Did dust from the Sahara contribute to the formation of Hurricane Beryl?

Dust from the Sahara is likely to have contributed to the development of Hurricane Beryl.

Record temperatures fueled the rapid intensification of the Category 4 hurricane this weekend, along with the approach of the plume, which carries heavy moisture and is one of the most important ingredients needed for tropical cyclone development.

More: ‘Potentially catastrophic’ Hurricane Beryl prepares to make landfall. Will it affect Texas?

What are the health effects of Sahara dust?

Saharan dust is primarily a risk to those with existing respiratory problems and breathing difficulties. Potential symptoms include:

• Allergies
• Skin and eye irritation
• sore throat
• Respiratory problems