ORLANDO, FL – Every year like clockwork, the Sahara Desert sends off huge plumes of dust, swirling tiny grains of sand and minerals into the sky.
This usually happens in June, July and August and, sure enough, that familiar haze has now made its way over the Florida Peninsula.
The dusty air is part of something called the Saharan Air Layer, or SAL. It’s a super-dry, fast-moving layer of air that hangs out between 5,000 and 20,000 feet up — so high that commercial planes often fly right through it without you even realizing it.
Pushed by strong easterly trade winds, this Saharan dust travels over 5,000 miles across the Atlantic Basin. It sweeps through the Caribbean and reaches the southeast.
Saharan dust isn’t just about hazy skies and vibrant sunsets, it can also impact air quality and health.
The dust contains fine particles that can raise the Air Quality Index (AQI), especially during large outbreaks, making it unhealthy for sensitive groups.
Right now, the AQI shows moderate levels across parts of Central Florida. While the air is generally acceptable, it can still affect sensitive groups, like those with asthma or respiratory conditions.
People with asthma, allergies or respiratory issues may notice more coughing, sneezing or irritation.
For vulnerable groups like kids, seniors or those with heart and lung conditions, it’s best to stay indoors on dusty days, keep windows closed and consider using air purifiers.
Even if the dust isn’t visible to the naked eye, it’s still all around us — those tiny particles are hanging in the air, bending sunlight and giving the sky that hazy, washed-out look.
During sunrise and sunset, they really put on a show, turning the sky into a canvas of fiery reds and deep oranges. It might look beautiful, but it’s also a reminder that this dust is more than just a pretty backdrop — it’s affecting the air we breathe.
Here’s a cool fact: Saharan dust can actually help slow down or choke the development of tropical systems.
So, while the haze might feel heavy, it’s doing us a favor by keeping some storms away.
