Saharan Dust Clouds May Reach East Texas This Summer

(Mix 93-1)  The Earth's atmosphere is truly amazing and mesmerizing at the same time.

When you begin to look beyond everyday common weather events, you'll be blown away by what goes on above your head and how it's carried out around the globe. These events are nothing short of incredible.

A term we've been hearing more about over the last three to five years, and is still relatively new to us, is Saharan Dust.

Saharan Dust clouds are crossing the Atlantic Ocean

It's amazing to think that dust from the Sahara Desert in Africa is transported more than 5000 miles across the tropical portion of the Atlantic Ocean and ends up settling along the shores and inland in the continental United States, including Texas.

This phenomenon has been happening for millions of years, though. Thanks to better technology and satellite imagery, meteorologists can detect and predict when it is going to impact our weather.

Saharan Dust clouds affect Texas from June through October

Huge dust clouds will be heading toward the US later this spring and summer, and they'll pass through the Gulf of Mexico and spread throughout the Gulf states of Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, Georgia, and Florida.

These events could send desert dust deep into Texas, possibly reaching East Texas, and even further north into Oklahoma and Arkansas.

If and when the dust arrives in East Texas later this spring and summer, you can expect extremely colorful sunrises and sunsets, as well as hazy conditions that could lead to some air quality issues.

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According to estimates, more than 180 million tons of dust are picked up annually from the Sahara Desert and moved around the globe, affecting weather patterns, especially during hurricane season.

With hurricane season officially starting June 1st, the Saharan Dust might help suppress storm development. The dust particles can lower humidity and make it harder for tropical systems to form, which may help reduce the chance of hurricanes forming in the Atlantic and heading toward the Gulf Coast and East Texas.

READ MORE --> Why East Texans need to be hurricane-ready this year

There are downsides to the dust's arrival. The dust can transport bacteria that could contribute to harmful algal blooms like red tide and has been linked to damage in coral reef ecosystems. Also, 'Dirty' rain may end up covering your vehicle. When the dust mixes with it can leave behind a layer of dirt on your vehicle, buildings, and plants.

While a Saharan Dust cloud is not anticipated in East Texas anytime soon, it's only a matter of time before it does.