AUSTIN, Texas — Saharan dust made an appearance in Central Texas last weekend, but cleared out by the beginning of this week.
Air quality over the middle of the week has been negatively impacted by smoke from wildfires. The Air Quality Index has reflected this with a "moderate" on the scale. By the time this smoke moves out of the area, the next plume of Saharan dust should be arriving for the weekend.
The dust forecast shows another plume of Saharan dust arriving as early as Friday and continuing to linger through the entire weekend.
Forecast models show dust lingering into the beginning of the workweek and potentially not clearing until at least the middle of next week.
Residents of Central Texas should be aware of the air quality over the coming days, especially those with respiratory problems or other breathing health concerns. Consider limiting time outdoors when the Air Quality Index is "moderate."
Saharan dust moving into portions of the U.S. is not an uncommon phenomenon. Dust storms in Africa move dust into the atmosphere and are eventually carried thousands of miles across the Atlantic Ocean. This dust doesn't only have negative effects. It actually helps to stifle tropical development and can also help create more vibrant colors during sunrises and sunsets.
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