Sahara dust is a recurring phenomenon during hurricane season, which recently arrived in Mexico and may reach Yucatán in the coming days. According to Copernicus, there is an expected increase in intense Saharan dust intrusions in Europe and Latin America.
While this phenomenon is normal from an atmospheric perspective, it has intensified and become more frequent in recent years, possibly due to changes in atmospheric circulation patterns.
The Copernicus Atmospheric Service (CAMS) has documented at least three significant episodes of Sahara dust transport over the Atlantic Ocean toward Europe in recent months.
American meteorologist Matt Devitt anticipates that the first Sahara dust mass of the year will reach Florida and the Gulf of Mexico this week. Currently, this dust cloud is located between 5,000 and 15,000 feet in the atmosphere, traveling over 5,000 miles across the Atlantic.
What is Sahara Dust?
Sahara dust is a warm and dry air mass loaded with sand particles, formed over the Sahara Desert due to strong winds in North Africa. These intense trade winds blow westward across the North Atlantic, reaching their peak intensity between mid-June and mid-August. The dust moves over the North Atlantic Tropical region, affecting the Caribbean, Central America, Mexico, and even the southern United States.
The Sahara dust phenomenon not only challenges air quality and visibility but also influences local atmospheric conditions and climate in the affected regions.
How Does Sahara Dust Help Prevent Hurricanes?
Saharan dust clouds play various roles in the planet’s biogeochemical cycles. First, as layers of particulate material, they absorb solar radiation, contributing to global temperature regulation. Additionally, these dust clouds contain essential nutrients like nitrogen and phosphorus, benefiting soil fertility in tropical zones.
Moreover, these nutrients are crucial for marine life in the oceans. High temperatures and strong winds associated with Sahara dust can suppress the formation and intensification of tropical cyclones, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).
