Saharan Dust 7/2

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — This week, parts of Texas have been dealing with hazy skies due to Saharan dust that was transported across the Atlantic Ocean.

Hurricane Beryl continues its march through the Caribbean as a Category 5 storm. Behind this system, another large plume of Saharan dust is being carried through the tropics.

Where is the plume of dust heading?

Futurecast projections have the Saharan dust arriving in the southeast U.S. early next week. Below is just one model projection showing the dust making it to the U.S. on Monday. There seems to be consensus of this happening based on multiple other dust models.

In June 2020, Saharan dust impacted Indiana. This may be something to monitor depending on where the upper levels of the atmosphere drive the dust next week. Areas in the southeast may have a few days with milky skies, poor air quality, and colorful sunrises/sunsets.

The positive news with this dust is that it could inhibit the development of another tropical wave behind Hurricane Beryl. Dry air from the dust infiltrates tropical systems and prevents towering thunderstorms from building. Invest 96L has been given a 30% chance of tropical development in the next seven days.

For more information about potential tropical activity, visit our weather stories page here .