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Saharan Dust Helping to Keep Tropics Quiet

Screenshot of NOAA website July 14, 2021

This time of year winds from the Sahara Desert in Africa ramp up and can carry the dust all the way to the Caribbean and the Gulf of Mexico. The dust can be seen reflected in hazy skies and Florida’s colorful sunrises and sunsets this time of year. According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, the Saharan Air Layer, or SAL, has unique properties of warm, dry air and strong winds that can work to suppress hurricane formation and intensification.

You can learn more about SAL at NOAA'swebsite.

Copyright 2021 WGCU

Valerie Vande Panne