Overview

• Since May 27 the plume has reached Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands, where it has already reduced visibility and created hazy skies.
• Forecast models project the initial wave to reach southern and central Florida by Saturday, May 31, followed by a denser plume moving into Texas by Tuesday, June 3.
• The dry air and particulate matter of the Saharan Air Layer block sunlight and reduce ocean heat, hindering tropical cyclone development as the hurricane season begins on June 1.
• Air quality indexes are expected to worsen in affected regions, prompting health advisories for individuals with asthma, COPD or other respiratory conditions.
• The airborne dust particles are also expected to scatter sunlight and produce vivid red and orange hues at sunrise and sunset.