A substantial cloud of dust originating from the Sahara Desert is predicted to impact certain regions in the southeastern United States.
Piece:
Host: Hey there, listen up! A massive cloud of dust, all the way from the Sahara, is heading for sunny Florida! Yup, you read that right. This powdery phenomenon is about to grace us with its presence, and we've got Dr. Jason Dunion on the line, a researcher of Saharan dust storms for NOAA, to fill us in on what to expect. So, Jason, let's dive right in - what the heck is this haboob we're about to experience?
Dr. Jason Dunion: Ah, a grand-scale haboob, if you will. Imagine a cloud of dust that spans the size of the lower 48 states and carries tons of dry air and dust particles. It's traveled about 4,000 miles so far, making its way completely across the Atlantic.
Host: Whoa, that's a whole lot of Saharan dust in our backyard! So, how often do these storms make it to the U.S.?
Dr. Jason Dunion: Well, now that we're in peak season for these dust outbreaks, we usually see another one about every three to five days off the coast. So expect to see several impacts over the hurricane season.
Host: Several impacts? I thought these storms were more of a rarity.
Dr. Jason Dunion: Not exactly. They're almost like Mother Nature's clockwork. Once we reach mid-June to late July, this is what we start to see. And especially in the Gulf and Florida coast - these events are quite typical during the peak of the summer.
Host: But how on earth does this dust make it all the way from the Sahara to Florida?
Dr. Jason Dunion: It's a fascinating question. You know, the stable nature of these dust clouds prevents mixing as they cross the entire Atlantic. The dry air that's a mile above our heads stays dry from Africa to the Caribbean—all the way to Florida.
Host: So by the time they reach us, how do these dust clouds look?
Dr. Jason Dunion: Well, the dry air is usually about a mile above our heads, so you don't really feel it, but it does reduce the number of thunderstorms. You'll still have a lot of dust in the air, and it can create some stunning sunsets, with milky-white and calm skies. So it's quite a sight to behold.
Host: You know what? Americans are gonna love this excuse to take a million selfies.
Dr. Jason Dunion: Absolutely. You might want to grab your camera, but remember that while dusty conditions can make for great selfies, it also means extra dust on your car and in your house, and you'll be breathing in more of this stuff.
Host: Just great. So, while it may be a spectacular show, it also means added dustiness and potential health concerns, especially for vulnerable populations like the elderly and those with asthma.
Dr. Jason Dunion: That's right. I've been in the Caribbean when it happens, and you can actually feel the grit on your car from the Sahara. And it can exacerbate respiratory issues in certain groups. I always recommend checking with local experts for advice on possible health impacts.
Host: So, I remember we had a dust storm in southern New Mexico and west Texas early this year. Is there any difference between these and the one headed for Florida?
Dr. Jason Dunion: Absolutely. Dust storms in the west are often kicked up by thunderstorms, while those in Africa are usually caused by tropical waves, which can become hurricanes. The ones in Africa are much larger and more westward as they approach across the Atlantic.
Host: So, all in all, I guess this is more of a unique and breathtaking experience rather than an ominous situation, right?
Dr. Jason Dunion: That's right. And while it can be quite dramatic over Africa, where it can reach the surface and be pretty intense, in the United States, it's more visually stunning and photographic opportunities, especially during sunsets.
Host: Alright. That's Dr. Jason Dunion, a NOAA research scientist. Thanks for tuning in, and be sure to enjoy the show—just don't forget to clean your windshield later! ( rubs hands together ) Oh, and wash your car!
While these Saharan dust storms, a common occurrence during summer, can pose potential health concerns for vulnerable populations like the elderly and those with asthma, they also provide fascinating insights for environmental-science researchers studying climate-change patterns. The dust particles, carried across the Atlantic, can influence the weather patterns and result in beautiful weather phenomena such as milky-white and calm skies during sunsets.
