Saharan dust plume reaches Gulf Coast

A plume of Saharan dust that traveled more than 5,000 miles across the Atlantic Ocean is spreading across Florida and the Gulf Coast. The dust is expected to reach parts of South Texas by Monday and remain over the region through most of next week. The dust coincides with a heat dome moving into the Southeast.

Together the two systems are forecast to produce feels-like temperatures approaching 110 degrees into early next week.

Dust and air quality The dust has already been visible on Florida Department of Transportation cameras over Miami. It is reducing air quality across the state and could affect people with respiratory conditions this weekend. A Heat Advisory remains in effect across the Florida Peninsula through Friday evening.

Officials in the U.S. Virgin Islands have also warned residents about extreme temperatures and dust.

Effect on tropical activity The same plume is contributing to a pause in Atlantic hurricane activity. Dry air from the dust typically suppresses tropical storm development while it lingers over the basin.