Saharan Dust Plumes Expected to Impact Tennessee's Weather and Air Quality
Large plumes of dust from the Sahara Desert are expected to reach Tennessee over the summer, carried by the Saharan air layer. This phenomenon, which peaks from mid-June to late August, involves dust traveling thousands of miles across the Atlantic Ocean. According to meteorologist Jason Dunion, these plumes are massive, comparable in size to the lower 48 states of the U.S. The dust carries extremely dry air and strong winds, which can disrupt the formation of rain, storms, and hurricanes. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) predicts a below-average hurricane season, partly due to the El Niño climate pattern, which reduces hurricane activity. The Saharan air layer's dry air, strong winds, and dust can block moisture, further curbing hurricane formation. The dust can also affect air quality, potentially causing respiratory issues for sensitive individuals.