Extreme 100F temperatures & Sahara dust cloud to hit US with experts warning of dangerous health effects
EXTREME heat as high as 100 degrees mixed with the yearly Sahara dust clouds will create dangerous respiratory conditions for millions of Americans across the southern US.
The large dust plumes that form over Africa’s Sahara Desert will travel over the Atlantic Ocean and make their way to the US Gulf Coast by the weekend.
Saharan Air Layer activity typically ramps in mid-June, peaks between late June and mid-August, then quickly subsides after mid-August.
During this peak period, Saharan dust plumes often roll through Florida and the US gulf coast, including as far as Texas.
The immense clouds bring drier air quality, and as some dust falls towards the ground, it could create dangerous respiratory issues.
“Once inhaled, this dust can irritate a person’s airways and cause respiratory issues – especially if that person suffers from an underlying airway or bronchial disease, such as asthma or COPD,” Dr Tim Connolly, a pulmonologist at Houston Methodist, said.
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Dr Connolly warned residents in the affected areas that those with underlying Covid conditions could lead to more severe issues.
“We’re dealing with the new coronavirus, which itself can also lead to respiratory issues,” Dr. Connolly says.
“But the COVID-19 pandemic may potentially add some other interesting dynamics, both good and bad, to any Saharan dust clouds we may see this summer.”
SAHARA DUST ARRIVES ALONG THE US GULF COAST
Temperatures in Florida are expected to reach a scorching 100 degrees on Thursday and Friday – and should brace for the arrival of the Sahara dust by the weekend.
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The dust has already made its way into the Caribbeans as Floridians can expect to dry temperatures and hazy sunsets by Saturday.
“Some of the dust is probably going to reach Florida. The biggest impact will be to make the sky appear hazy, but it can also give extra color to sunrises and sunsets,” AccuWeather reported.
The Saharan dust’s dry conditions could irritate people’s eyes, ears, noses, and throats with fine particles of silica and other minerals that can infiltrate lung tissue, aggravate sensitivities, and reduce visibility, per NASA.
Meanwhile, folks in Texas, Alabama, Louisiana, and Georgia should take extra precautions when stepping out this weekend as the giant dust condition will roll through the area this weekend.
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