What the Saharan Dust Means to Houston
Source: Houston morning downtown skyline obscured by Sahara dust cloud. (Arash Asadi/Getty Images)
Houston — Dust all the way from the Sahara Desert has been the culprit for the haze that’s blanketed Houston the past few days. Trade Winds have carried the dust all the way from Africa, expecting to stick around through Friday.
While the dust is still settling, here’s how the mix of sand and soil can impact you and the surrounding area.
Forming during the summer months, the Saharan Air Layer is comprised of warm, dry and dusty air that extends to around three miles above the Earth’s surface. It can impact weather patterns and air quality, including having an impact on tropical storm development. This is especially important considering what the forecasts prior to the tropical storm season have told us.
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With the dust inhabiting Houston airspace, it may lead to some spectacular sunrises and sunsets, however it can also lead to a decline in air quality. Air quality may reach unsafe levels Thursday, especially for those with respiratory issues, according to click2houston.com. Those who may be sensitive to the deteriorating air quality conditions should prioritize staying inside over the next few days.
However, there is a silver lining that comes with the poor air quality; a natural hurricane suppressant. Since the Saharan Air Layer is comprised of dry air, it makes it especially difficult for tropical storms and hurricanes to form. Hurricanes thrive hot wet air, allowing them to gain and maintain strength over open water. With the typical pathway for tropical storms over the Atlantic obstructed by the dust, storms are not likely. For an area that’s been recovering from the derecho in May and Beryl in July, this should offer some peace of mind for Houstonians.
