The tropical Atlantic is affected by the most significant Saharan dust outbreak in the last two years.
This phenomenon has temporarily affected tropical activity and has contributed to the cooling of Atlantic waters, especially near Africa, the media reported. Local 10.
According to the information, dry air laden with dust from the deserts of North Africa It usually peaks in late June and July, and is an early part of the seasonal cycle.
In 2023, the presence of Saharan dust was minimal, with the lowest coverage recorded in at least 20 years, since satellites began measuring this variable.
Responding to questions about whether the phenomenon could diminish hurricane activity, experts said that while well-timed dust outbreaks can stifle hurricane development by spraying dry air into the tropics and increasing wind shear at the edges of the dust cloud, there is little relationship between dust and overall hurricane activity.
This is because Saharan dust quickly fades as hurricane activity increases in late August.
We cannot rely on increased dust for the remainder of this hurricane season, but its presence is encouraging news in the short term after the start of the most active season in the last 30 years, according to forecasts.
The deep tropical Atlantic will remain inactive until next week, thanks in part to dust that has been largely absent since 2022, the note said.
However, it is recommended to take this break to strengthen hurricane supply kits, as the season will resume soon, and August, the first big month of the season, is less than three weeks away, experts stressed.
Matt Devitt, a meteorologist at Pennsylvania State University, recently reported that the negative consequences of this phenomenon include poor air quality, which can aggravate respiratory conditions, as well as hazy skies and dusty rain.
He also mentioned that the occurrence of storms is decreasing, although these could become stronger. He indicated that the sensation of heat is intensifying, and that dust can carry bacteria, which could lead to algae blooms such as red tide.
