Saharan Dust Storm to Hit Southern US This Week

Saharan Dust Cloud Heads for Southern US: What to Expect A massive cloud of dust from the Sahara Desert is making its way across the Atlantic Ocean and is expected to reach the southern United States later this week. Meteorologists predict the effects will be felt starting Thursday, June 5th, 2025, and continuing through the weekend. While the concentration is not expected to be as high as what was reported in the Caribbean, residents should still take precautions. "What you're seeing here," explains Noticias Telemundo meteorologist, "is the transition zone between the tropical rainforest and the Sahara Desert. The storms developing in this area have winds exceeding 70 mph, lifting massive amounts of dust into the atmosphere." This Saharan dust, while potentially causing respiratory issues such as asthma attacks, and eye irritation for some, also has positive effects. It acts as a natural fertilizer for the Amazon rainforest and helps absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, potentially reducing the intensity of hurricanes. "The trade winds then carry this dust across the Atlantic," the meteorologist adds, pointing to a weather map, "eventually reaching areas like Texas and Florida." Authorities urge residents to monitor air quality reports and take necessary precautions to protect their health during this period.