Massive weather event heading to the US this week, as experts sound warning alarm

Washington D.C.: A massive dust plume the size of the continental United States is sweeping across the Atlantic Ocean from the Sahara Desert and is expected to reach Florida this week.

The cloud, formed by strong winds lifting sand and mineral particles from Africa’s surface, has already impacted air quality in Puerto Rico and the Caribbean. The National Weather Service warned of "peak concentrations" arriving in the region, with Florida and Gulf States next in line.

The dust plume, stretching over 2,000 miles from Jamaica to Barbados and 750 miles from the Turks and Caicos to Trinidad and Tobago, could create hazy skies and breathing difficulties, particularly for those with asthma or respiratory conditions. While the dust may lose some intensity before reaching the U.S., experts caution that fine particles can still irritate lungs and reduce visibility.

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Alex DaSilva, AccuWeather’s lead hurricane expert, noted that Caribbean islands often bear the brunt, with dust sometimes thick enough to obscure the sun. In Florida, residents have already reported softer, muted skies due to the reddish particles.

This phenomenon, known as the Saharan Air Layer, occurs annually from April to October, driven by seasonal winds and high-pressure systems. While it typically suppresses hurricane formation, dense plumes like this—earlier and more concentrated than usual—raise concerns. Past events, such as the 2020 'Godzilla' dust cloud and the 2023 haze over the Southeast, led to significant air quality declines.

Scientists are monitoring whether climate change and shifting wind patterns are intensifying these events. For now, health officials advise vulnerable groups to limit outdoor exposure as the dust moves in.