AUSTIN, Texas — While we've been hot and humid these past several days, humidity levels could be on the decline to start next week.
This is one of the many benefits of Saharan Dust that could be making an appearance locally heading into Monday.
Saharan dust is usually carried by equatorial trade winds blowing into the Caribbean from the east, picking up dust and sand from the Sahara Desert in northern Africa and carrying it across the Atlantic along the equator before a southerly flow carries it into Central Texas.
There are other benefits to Saharan Dust, including beautiful sunrises and sunsets. If you see one of those next week, be sure to send in a picture using the "Near Me" feature on the KVUE app, and we may use it on air or online! Remember to leave your name, location and a brief description so we can give you proper credit.
However, there are some downsides to the dust as well. One is that the lower humidity will lower rain chances, and the southern Hill Country really could use the rain to help our Highland Lakes, including Lake Travis.
The lowered humidity caused by the phenomenon could limit tropical development, although there are two separate systems in the Atlantic basin that we are watching.
Finally, we're tracking air quality that could be in the moderate count as a result of the Saharan Dust plume, so those with sensitive respiratory issues should limit time outside.
Stick with KVUE for the latest on your forecast. In the meantime, your seven-day outlook is below.
