Dust cloud from the Sahara blankets southeastern U.S.
It is, in fact, getting dusty in here.
A massive dust cloud that crossed the Atlantic Ocean from the Sahara Desert covered parts of the southeastern United States on Thursday and is expected to remain in the air into the weekend.
Technically known as the Saharan Air Layer, this phenomenon happens every year, but of course this year’s is the largest in 50 years. Some experts even referred to it as the “Godzilla dust cloud.”
Lake Charles, La., about halfway between Houston and New Orleans, recorded the worst air quality in the country Thursday, according to NPR. Mississippi, Alabama and other states along the Gulf of Mexico also received a fine dusting.
The dust cloud led to decreased air quality and people with respiratory issues were advised to stay inside. Experts say the cloud could create sunsets so pretty they’ll make you cry.
It also looks cool from space.
A magnificent view of a dust plume from @NOAA's #GOESEast, from June 23. Known as the #SaharanAirLayer, this particular plume has reportedly spread over the Caribbean, reducing visibility in some areas to five miles. See our world: https://t.co/ZcDtqO5ZoH pic.twitter.com/7jHIIJTm88
— NOAA Satellites (@NOAASatellites) June 24, 2020
The dust cloud traveled over the Caribbean earlier this week, increasing temperatures and forcing people indoors.
It does not look as cool from the ground.
View of El Yunque on a sunny day in March and a hazy day with Saharan dust in June pic.twitter.com/aVRD2pR76z
— El Yunque NF (@ElYunqueNF) June 23, 2020
The dust can mess with weather, but experts say it actually makes hurricanes less likely and shouldn’t affect anything more severe than a thunderstorm.
Meteorologists expect the dust cloud to travel northeast over the weekend, following a similar path to hurricanes.