ENID, OK - Oklahoma meteorologists have been tracking a dust cloud for a week over the Atlantic and into the Caribbean. The big plume of Saharan dust arrives in Oklahoma late Wednesday.
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The dust cloud could stick around through next week. These dust clouds are nothing new, but this one could have greater impacts than recent years. Oklahoma could experience hazy skies with limited visibility at times. Watch for vivid sunrise/sunsets due to the dust particles.
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The weather event could lead to poor air quality especially people with respiratory issues. Rain that falls while the dust is around could lead to mud on cars, etc. The dust does bring very beneficial nutrients to the soil, mainly iron.
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The dust—called the Saharan Air Layer (SAL) by meteorologists—is a mass of dry and dusty air that forms in the Sahara Desert in the spring, summer and early fall and moves over the tropical North Atlantic, according to the U.S. National Ocean and Atmospheric Administration.
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A satellite photo of the Saharan dust plume.
Image: NASA Worldview
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Dust Cloud Heading For The U.S.
