Saharan Dust Storm Heads to US Southeast: Expert Warns of Air Quality Issues and Hurricane Impact

Saharan Dust Plume Heads Toward Southeast US, Potentially Affecting Hurricane Season June 5, 2025 - A large plume of Saharan dust is currently making its way across the Atlantic Ocean and is expected to impact the southeastern United States in the coming days. This phenomenon, explained by Paul Miller, an expert climatologist at Louisiana State University, could significantly affect the development of tropical storms and hurricanes. "This is a really astonishing phenomenon," said Miller in an interview with FOX Weather. "You see this brown haze in the sky, and you find out it's come all the way from Africa." The dust, carried by trade winds, originates from the Sahara Desert and can be seen vividly on satellite imagery. Miller clarified a common misconception, explaining that the substance is "dust," not "sand." He described how thunderstorms in the Sahara, due to the dry soil, generate vast clouds of dust that are then transported across the Atlantic. The heavier particles settle first, while finer particles remain suspended longer. The arrival of this dust plume is expected to cause hazy skies and vibrant sunsets and sunrises. However, there is also a concern about respiratory irritation, particularly for sensitive groups. The dust can also impact hurricane development, potentially inhibiting the formation of storms. The FOX Weather report concluded by emphasizing that gravity will eventually cause the dust to settle, though the smaller particles will take longer to reach the surface. The report highlighted the ongoing monitoring of the dust plume and its potential effects on the region.