Saharan dust storms can decrease San Antonio's air quality and worsen respiratory issues like asthma, peaking from late June to mid-August.

Dust can cause hazy skies, breathing trouble, and impact air quality, affecting outdoor activities.

City planners in San Antonio can develop effective emergency response plans by recommending basic disaster kits to residents.

Residents can sign up for emergency alerts to stay informed about disruptions during Saharan dust storms.

ERCOT triggered emergency operations and can work with city planners to prevent power grid damage during Saharan dust storms.

City planners should be aware that rolling blackouts may be used as a last resort during emergencies to prevent grid failure.

Saharan dust storms can damage solar energy production and reduce air quality, with a dust storm in March 2022 causing an 80% reduction in solar capacity.

City planners can prepare for dust storms by designing resilient infrastructure, using underground power lines, and conducting routine inspections.

Climate risk modeling and winterization strategies can help prevent power outages.

City planners in San Antonio can mitigate Saharan dust storms by reducing air pollution, increasing green spaces, and promoting public health awareness.

Urban planning in San Antonio can reduce the impacts of Saharan dust storms by designing buildings and public spaces that minimize dust entry and promote clean air circulation.

Green spaces in urban areas like San Antonio improve air quality and public health.

People with asthma should stay indoors during late June to mid-August Saharan dust storms to mitigate the effects.

Warning alerts are issued to inform citizens of potential health risks during dust storms.

Dust storms can trigger allergy symptoms and irritate airways.

Air quality monitoring systems are essential for estimating air contaminants, and sensors, modeling tools, and data analytics can help detect and respond to Saharan dust storms in San Antonio. [10].

Saharan dust storms can decrease San Antonio's air quality and worsen respiratory issues like asthma, peaking from late June to mid-August.

Title:

Content: Breaking News
More () »

San Antonians may want to stay indoors next week. Here's why.

A noticeable change in the air will arrive to the Alamo City next week.

SAN ANTONIO — San Antonio skies could look quite different next week but not in the way we're hoping for.

As San Antonians eagerly wait for rain to break our triple-digit temperatures another common occurrence will pick-up next week known as Saharan dust.

The dust is a combination of sand and dust traveling from North Africa across the Atlantic that peaking in late June through mid-August.

Light amounts of Saharan dust have arrived to the Alamo City this past week but will become more noticeable. Therefore, if you have asthma, COPD or any other type of respiratory illness you will want to stay indoors as much as possible during this time.

Timing of Saharan dust:

Monday - Little changes will be in the forecast as heavier amounts of dust remain over the gulf coast.

Credit: KENS 5 Weather

Tuesday - A large moderate level of Saharan dust will move into South Texas and San Antonio by late afternoon. San Antonians may notice hazy skies and trouble breathing if you're more sensitive to dusty air. But the dust doesn't stop here.

Credit: KENS 5 Weather

Wednesday - By mid-week Saharan dust ramps up continuing to build and push farther north stretching to the Dallas area. The continuing flow of the dust is partly due to a high pressure bringing a southeasterly flow to help pump the dust toward South Texas.

Credit: KENS 5 Weather

Thursday - As the week progresses dust levels continue to rise and could affect air quality levels. For those with any respiratory illnesses they should avoid outdoor activity including vigorous exercise. Also try to keep windows and doors closed. We will continue to monitor this development next week.

Credit: KENS 5 Weather

As dust increases across the area, San Antonians will notice more vibrant sunrises and sunsets. However, during the afternoons the sky appears a more milky white color.

Before You Leave, Check This Out

How does Saharan dust affect immediate weather?

What are the negative health effects of Saharan dust?

What areas of the Americas have been affected by Saharan dust storms?

What areas of the US have been affected by Saharan dust storms?

Dust can cause hazy skies, breathing trouble, and impact air quality, affecting outdoor activities.

How does Saharan dust affect immediate weather?

What are the negative health effects of Saharan dust?

City planners in San Antonio can develop effective emergency response plans by recommending basic disaster kits to residents.

Title:

Content: How Texans can prepare for natural disasters

Natural disasters like winter storms and hurricanes can create life-threatening situations for Texans. These types of disasters can be devastating and can hit at any time.

As climate change continues to affect weather patterns across the world, scientists and forecasters say extreme weather is becoming more severe, ushering in stronger hurricanes, extreme droughts, wildfires and other weather events in Texas.

The state is already experiencing more days of dangerous heat, rising sea levels along the Texas Gulf Coast and water scarcity.

Here’s a guide on how to prepare for a disaster — including winter storms, hurricanes, extreme heat, wildfires and droughts.

[Texas power grid expected to handle brutally cold temperatures]

This guide was compiled with information from the American Red Cross, the Federal Emergency Management Agency, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, the Texas Division of Emergency Management and more. For additional information, visit their websites.

Building a disaster kit

Preparation is key to staying safe during an emergency. Following a natural disaster, you may be without access to electricity, gas, roads, grocery stores and more. Building a disaster supplies kit can ensure you have the necessities.

A basic disaster kit should include enough food, water and first aid supplies to last several days. During emergencies like winter storms or hurricanes, it may be necessary to have enough supplies to last up to two weeks.

The American Red Cross recommends you have the following basic supplies in your kit:

  • Water: one gallon per person, per day

  • Non-perishable food like canned or dry foods

  • A flashlight

  • A battery-powered or hand-crank radio

  • Extra batteries

  • First aid kit

  • Prescription medications and medical items

  • A multi-purpose tool that includes a screwdriver, a knife and pliers

  • Sanitation and personal hygiene items such as wet wipes

  • Copies of personal documents like medication lists, medical information, proof of address, deed/lease to home, passports, birth certificates and insurance policies

  • Cellphone with chargers and/ or a portable battery bank

  • Family and emergency contact information

  • Extra cash

  • Sleeping bag or warm blanket

  • Maps of your area

You should also consider whether you need to include supplies for children, pets or those who may have additional medical needs.

Some additional items you may think about including in your disaster kit are:

  • A whistle to signal for help

  • Duct tape

  • Baby supplies such as bottles, formula and diapers

  • Dust mask or face mask

  • Manual can opener

  • Soap and hand sanitizer

  • Over-the-counter medications

  • Contact solution

  • Matches in a waterproof container

  • Rain gear

  • Towels

  • Pet food

  • Gel chafing fuel or a bunsen burner to heat food

  • Bug spray

  • Cash in case of power outages

Each year, Texas offers a tax-free weekend for emergency supplies. In 2024, the emergency preparation supplies sales tax holiday will take place April 27-29.

Texas residents can also apply for the state’s Weatherization Assistance Program, which is designed to help low-income families insulate their homes and reduce energy cost burdens. Weather stripping your home and updating cooling and heating systems can help prepare you for extreme heat or winter weather.

Signing up for disaster notifications

To know when a weather emergency is expected or to stay updated during a disaster, sign up for emergency alerts from your city or county. Residents can look up their county emergency management office online to sign up for emergency emails and texts.

Texans who rely on electricity for medical reasons can apply for chronic condition or critical care status which can provide extra notifications ahead of interruptions or suspensions of service. Applications have to be approved by a physician and submitted to the transmission and deliver utility that is responsible for your address. The status doesn’t guarantee uninterrupted power, so if electricity is a necessity, make other arrangements ahead of a storm if possible.

Texans with disabilities or people who would require additional medical assistance during an emergency can also sign up for the State of Texas Emergency Assistance Registry, a free system run by the state that gives emergency responders additional information about the communities they are helping in the aftermath of a natural disaster.

Major phone providers participate in the federal wireless emergency alert system, which enables federal, state and local authorities to broadcast alerts to mobile devices. Checking the settings on your phone can ensure you have these alerts turned on. They are often labeled “Government Alerts” or “Emergency Alert Messages.”

If you need to find community resources during a disaster, dial 2-1-1 or 877-541-7905 for information about resources including food, health, housing and more.

Winter storm preparation

A winter storm in 2021 left millions of Texans without power in subfreezing temperatures for days, killing hundreds.

High winds, freezing rain or sleet, heavy snowfall and dangerously cold temperatures are the main hazards associated with winter storms, according to the National Weather Service.

These storms can cause an increased risk of car accidents, hypothermia and frostbite. They can also increase the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning caused by generators or other gas-powered heaters.

Winter weather often puts a strain on Texas’ electric grid. When energy demand outpaces supply, regulators at the Electric Reliability Council of Texas are forced to take emergency measures, which can include temporarily shutting off power to customers to maintain grid stability.

How to prepare your home ahead of freezing weather

  • Insulate your pipes.

  • Place covers on water hoses outside.

  • Turn off and drain outside faucets before temperatures hit extremely low levels.

  • Locate your main water valve so you can cut off your water in case of an emergency, like a burst pipe.

  • Open up cabinets, particularly in the kitchen and bathroom, to make sure heat is properly circulating to your pipes.

  • Fill up bathtubs with water as a backup supply for flushing toilets.

  • Cut down any weak branches or trees to prevent them from falling on power lines or your home and cars.

Additional winter-related emergency supplies

  • Blankets

  • Extra warm clothes

  • A shovel for digging out of snow

  • Booster cables

  • Something to create traction on your tires, such as sand or kitty litter

If your home or car is damaged in a winter storm by falling branches, power lines or hail, take photos of the damages to submit to your insurance.

Hurricane preparation

Texas’ Gulf Coast is at risk of hurricanes during a major portion of the year.

The Atlantic hurricane season runs from June 1 through Nov. 30, with the months of August, September and October being the most active.

Hurricanes can produce storm surge flooding, inland flooding from heavy rains, destructive winds, tornadoes, and high surf and rip currents.

The National Hurricane Center tracks systems in the tropics throughout hurricane season and issues advisories on storms and hurricanes.

If a hurricane or tropical storm impacts your area, strong winds could knock out your power for days or weeks, and flood waters could rise into homes or streets. If your area is in the direct path of a storm, officials may issue an evacuation notice. If you choose to stay despite a notice, flooded roads and downed trees could make it hard for first responders to reach you if there’s an emergency.

How to prepare for a hurricane

  • Make an evacuation plan and know your evacuation routes.

  • If you have pets, plan ahead of time how to take care of them during a storm.

  • Make sure your insurance policies and personal documents, like your IDs, are up to date.

  • Take photos of your home or other property to provide to insurance providers if your items are damaged in a storm.

  • Consider purchasing a generator to use if electricity goes out.

  • Install and check carbon monoxide alarms.

  • Seal any openings in walls or roofs.

  • Cut down weak branches and trees regularly.

  • Install storm shutters.

What to do when a hurricane is approaching

  • Follow evacuation instructions from local officials if you are in an area expected to see life-threatening conditions. If you choose not to evacuate, keep in mind that hurricanes can cut off power supplies and water as well as block roads for extended periods of time.

  • Make sure your car is ready if you have to evacuate in an emergency by filling your tank with gas and moving your car under a cover or garage if possible.

  • Clear your yard and cover up windows and doors.

  • Use storm shutters or protect your windows with plywood.

  • Fill clean water containers with drinking water in case you lose your water supply during the storm. Fill up your sinks and bathtubs with water for washing.

  • If you evacuate, unplug your appliances and turn off gas, electricity and water if time allows.

  • Take photos of your home before a storm hits for insurance in case you suffer damages.

What to do after a hurricane hits

  • Stay out of flood waters.

  • Stay away from damaged power lines.

  • Don’t enter damaged buildings.

  • Take photos and document damages to your home or property.

Extreme heat preparation

As climate change steadily warms the planet and increases the range of typical temperatures, record-breaking heat and heat waves are becoming more common and more frequent in Texas.

Extreme heat causes more deaths per year than any other weather-related hazard, according to the Environmental Protection Agency. Excess exposure to extreme heat can cause weakness, dizziness, heat-related illness and in severe cases, heat stroke.

Heat stroke requires emergency medical treatment. Heat stroke can cause extremely high body temperatures of 104 degrees or above; red, hot and dry skin without sweat; rapid pulse; throbbing headache; confusion; loss of consciousness and even death.

Children, older adults, people experiencing homelessness, people with preexisting medical conditions, outdoor workers, emergency responders, incarcerated people, low-income communities, pregnant people and athletes all have a greater risk of heat-related illness.

Texans can find a list of cooling centers on local government websites and on the Texas Health And Human Services Commission’s website. The National Integrated Heat Health Information System also provides heat and health information for the nation.

How to prepare for a heat-related event

  • Weather strip doors and sills to keep cool air in.

  • Cover windows that let in lots of sun.

  • Build a disaster kit with food, water, first aid supplies and medications in case of outages.

  • Hydrate with water throughout the day.

  • Take frequent breaks when working outside.

  • Minimize sun exposure and wear loose-fitting, light-colored clothes.

What to avoid during excessive heat

  • Never leave adults, children or pets alone in a hot vehicle for any amount of time.

  • Avoid exercising outside between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., the hottest time of the day.

  • Don’t wear heavy or dark-colored clothing.

  • Avoid sugary drinks, caffeine and alcohol.

  • Don’t forget to wear and reapply sunscreen.

Wildfire preparation

More than 90% of wildfires in Texas are caused by people, according to the Texas A&M Forest Service, and careless debris burning is what starts most human-caused fires.

Weather forecasters issue a fire weather watch when potentially dangerous fire weather conditions are possible over the next 12 to 72 hours.

A fire weather warning or red flag is issued when dangerous fire weather conditions are either occurring or expected to occur within 24 hours. If the danger is imminent, local authorities may issue an evacuation notice to alert residents.

Smoke from wildfires can pose a serious health threat, especially for kids, older adults and those with chronic heart or lung disease and asthma.

Exposure to wildfire smoke can trigger asthma attacks, heart attacks and strokes. It can cause eye and respiratory irritation, coughing, wheezing and difficulty breathing.

Smoke from wildfires can also create a risk of carbon monoxide poisoning. Inhaling carbon monoxide can cause headaches, nausea, dizziness and, in high concentrations, premature death.

Texans can find information about local wildfires through their local fire departments or online using the Texas A&M Forest Service’s Incident Viewer.

How to prepare for a wildfire

  • Keep your lawn hydrated and maintained.

  • Clear leaves and debris from gutters, porches and decks.

  • Replace or repair shingles or roof tiles, which can be either fully or partially fire resistant.

  • Install smoke alarms on each level of your home and change the batteries at least once a year.

  • Create an evacuation plan and know your local evacuation routes.

What to do during a wildfire

  • Close all windows, vents, doors and fireplace screens.

  • Disconnect automatic garage door openers so doors can be opened by hand if you lose power.

  • Close and protect all of your home’s openings to prevent hot ash from penetrating your home.

  • Place valuable documents and family mementos inside the car for quick departure if necessary.

  • Connect garden hoses and fill any pools, hot tubs, garbage cans, tubs or other large containers with water. Firefighters have been known to use the hoses to put out fires on rooftops.

  • Evacuate immediately if authorities tell you to do so and leave the lights on in your home so that firefighters can see it through dense smoke.

What to do after a wildfire

  • Wait for officials to say it’s safe before returning home or using water.

  • Avoid ash, charred trees, smoldering debris and live embers.

  • Avoid damaged or fallen power lines, poles and downed wires.

  • Follow public health rules and wear safety equipment.

  • Protect your skin with long-sleeved clothing and wear goggles to protect your eyes.

  • Wear an N95 respirator and minimize time outdoors breathing in smoke.

  • Wash off ash that gets on your skin or in your eyes or mouth as soon as you can.

  • Document property damage with photographs and contact your insurance company.

Drought preparation

Texas often experiences prolonged periods of drought, and in 2022 the state experienced one of its worst droughts on record.

A drought is generally defined as an extended period with little to no rainfall that leads to a water shortage, according to the National Drought Mitigation Center.

As climate change both strengthens and lengthens heat waves, hotter temperatures make droughts more intense than they would be otherwise.

Droughts can hurt agriculture in Texas, harming crops and livestock. They can also affect water supply and reservoir levels across the state.

When drought conditions become serious, officials may issue notices asking residents to conserve water. Check to see if your city or public water system has issued water restrictions or requested water conservation on the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality’s list.

How to conserve water

  • Cut back on water use for landscaping and/or limit watering to before sunrise or after sunset.

  • Check for leaks in your home.

  • Turn off the faucet when you aren’t actively using water like when you brush your teeth, shave or shower.

  • Change your lawn to include plants and grasses that require less water.

  • Set up a rainwater collection system.

Recovering after a natural disaster

If you are impacted by a natural disaster, government services and community resources are available to help you with recovery.

Organizations like the American Red Cross, Salvation Army and local volunteer organizations can help you find food, shelter and supplies, as well as even assist you with clean-up efforts. Texas Health and Human Services is also responsible for coordinating efforts to help Texans in need immediately after a widespread emergency.

After a disaster, a state’s governor can issue a disaster declaration, asking the president to declare an emergency or major disaster, which then frees up federal funds to help those affected. The Federal Emergency Management Agency provides disaster assistance in these situations.

Before applying for assistance from FEMA, insured Texans should first file claims through their existing policies. People cannot receive disaster and insurance assistance for the same damages. Doing so would be considered insurance fraud, according to FEMA.

If you need to file an insurance claim because your home or property was damaged, call your insurance company to report the damages and be ready to answer questions about how you were impacted. Be sure to take photos and videos to submit to insurance or FEMA and document damages for your records.

If you need help quickly, you can ask your insurance company about an advanced payment. If you aren’t able to live in your home after the disaster because of extensive damage, most policies will cover some housing costs, according to the Texas Department of Insurance, so be sure to keep your receipts.

If you need help filing a claim, TDI has a help line that operates Monday to Friday, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Central Time. Texans can call 800-252-3439 to find out contact information for their insurance company and ask any questions about claims.

The State Bar of Texas also offers a toll-free legal hotline to assist low-income Texans with issues like replacing lost documents, insurance questions, landlord-tenant problems, price-gouging or avoiding contractor scams following a natural disaster. Residents can call 800-504-7030, which is answered in English, Spanish and Vietnamese. Those who qualify for assistance are matched with Texas lawyers who can provide free, limited legal help, according to the state bar’s website.

It’s also common to feel increased anxiety or mental health concerns following a natural disaster. The federal Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration runs the Disaster Distress Helpline to provide support to people experiencing emotional distress related to disasters, including severe storms, hurricanes, floods, wildfires, disease outbreaks, incidents of mass violence, community unrest and anniversaries of traumatic events or triggering events. Read more in our natural disaster and climate anxiety mental health guide.

The helpline operates year-round, 24 hours a day and is free and confidential. You can call or text 800-985-5990 to be connected with a trained crisis counselor who can provide counseling, healthy coping tips and more information on signs of emotional distress.

SAMHSA also administers grants after disasters to help provide crisis counseling services. Those services are free for people if they reside within a disaster-declared county.

You can check federal disaster declarations and resources through FEMA’s website.

Allyson Waller, María Méndez and Bryan Mena contributed to this story.

Disclosure: State Bar of Texas has been financial supporters of The Texas Tribune, a nonprofit, nonpartisan news organization that is funded in part by donations from members, foundations and corporate sponsors. Financial supporters play no role in the Tribune's journalism. Find a complete list of them here.

How can the authorities prepare for a Saharan dust storm?

Residents can sign up for emergency alerts to stay informed about disruptions during Saharan dust storms.

How can the authorities prepare for a Saharan dust storm?

public awareness & education
implement a warning system

ERCOT triggered emergency operations and can work with city planners to prevent power grid damage during Saharan dust storms.

Title:

Content: Texas avoids rolling blackouts during evening grid emergency

ERCOT has called on generators to push all available electricity to the grid as rising demand threatens to surpass the state’s power supply. If that fails, rolling blackouts are likely to begin.

click to enlarge
Courtesy Photo / CPS Energy
CPS employees monitor conditions at the utility's control center.
The state’s power grid operator triggered its emergency operations on Wednesday evening, allowing it to call on all available power generation to stay ahead of demand — and bringing it closer than it's been all summer to a worst-case scenario of ordering rotating power outages.

The Electric Reliability Council of Texas got through the tight stretch without having to call for power cuts to customers in order to prevent the grid from being severely damaged. ERCOT triggered its second of three levels of emergency operations at 7:25 p.m. It lifted emergency conditions 77 minutes later, when plenty of surplus power was again flowing to the grid to meet demand.

Intense heat this summer has tested grid operators, repeatedly forcing them to turn to backup tools to keep operations running smoothly. ERCOT asked Texans to conserve energy 10 times this summer because of the high demand for power. On Wednesday, wind power was also forecast to be low.

The afternoon and evening hours tend to be tightest as people return home from work and crank down their thermostats. Solar power generation, which has grown significantly in recent years in Texas, also dwindles as the sun sets.

Grid operators asked power users to cut back their electricity consumption between 6 p.m. and 9 p.m. Wednesday. Power customers can conserve by turning up thermostats a few degrees and refraining from using large appliances such as washing machines and clothes dryers during this period.

ERCOT said it was calling on large power users to reduce their consumption and asking other major U.S. grids to provide what help they could. The ERCOT grid, which serves most of the state, has limited connections to the larger grids that serve the rest of the nation.

The state has broken its power demand record 10 times so far this summer because of economic and population growth and the punishing heat.

Rolling outages remain a rare last resort. ERCOT has not called for them since the devastating February 2021 winter storm, when power was cut to millions of homes over days while extremely cold weather persisted. More than 200 people died.

During that storm, the initial plan to cut power for short periods was abandoned when numerous power generators suddenly failed amid days of subfreezing temperatures, requiring the widespread shutdown of power for days.

If ERCOT had called for electricity cuts again on Wednesday, the location and duration of power outages would have been controlled by individual electric utilities. For example, CPS Energy President and CEO Rudy Garza in San Antonio said last month when conditions looked tight that outages would last between 10 and 15 minutes for their customers.

Representatives for other utilities said the duration of power outages and whether they would rotate would depend on what they hear from ERCOT, which calculates how much demand must be reduced to keep the grid from failing.

People with generators should not use them indoors because they emit deadly carbon monoxide.

You can follow Texas grid conditions here and sign up for emergency alerts here.

Subscribe to SA Current newsletters.

Follow us: Apple News | Google News | NewsBreak | Reddit | Instagram | Facebook | Twitter| Or sign up for our RSS Feed
Scroll to read more Texas News articles

Newsletters

Join SA Current Newsletters

Subscribe now to get the latest news delivered right to your inbox.

How can the authorities prepare for a Saharan dust storm?

City planners should be aware that rolling blackouts may be used as a last resort during emergencies to prevent grid failure.

Saharan dust storms can damage solar energy production and reduce air quality, with a dust storm in March 2022 causing an 80% reduction in solar capacity.

Title:

Content: EventsPodcast
Find us!
Announcement
How does dust from the Sahara Desert affect solar energy?
Copyright euronews
Copyright euronews
Written by Jeremy Wilks
Posted in
Share this article
Share this article
Copy / paste the video link of the article below Copied
Research shows that dust storms coming from the Sahara Desert can severely damage solar energy production.
So, what can be done to better manage this problem?
Climate Now reports from Andalusia on efforts to beat the dust.
Announcement
On this month ’ s episode of Climate Now, we set out to southern Spain to report on the growing problem of Sahara dust, which has a significant impact on solar power generation.
Our visit to southern Spain comes as the Copernicus Climate Change Authority announced that we have seen the highest ever recorded temperature for May 2024, registering a temperature rise of 0.65 ° C above the 1991-2020 average.
This is the 12th consecutive month with the highest recorded temperature for the month in question.
In May 2024, we witnessed extreme weather conditions in many areas.
Floods in Brazil have displaced more than half a million people, temperatures in the Delhi region of India hit 49.9 degrees Celsius, its highest recorded to date, and Finland issued a heatwave warning of temperatures rising to more than 27 degrees Celsius.
In Europe, heavy rains led to flooding in southwestern Germany, Belgium, and northern Italy.
Massive losses in solar power generation due to Sahara dust
The dust of the Sahara Desert in Europe is famous for turning its skies orange, which reduces air quality and leaves a fine layer of dust on the roofs of homes and cars.
On the other hand, it causes another growing problem known as “dirty ” solar cells.
At Gianni University in Andalusia, we met with Dr. Eduardo Fernández and Professor Florencia Almonacid, who were among the authors of a recent paper that found that the severe dirt on the panels in March 2022 reduced solar capacity by up to 80 percent.
Dr Fernandez told Euronews: “It felt like we were on Mars where everything turned red. ”
March 2022 saw extreme weather, but even small amounts of dust could reduce the amount of sunlight reaching solar cells by 15%, and with the rapid growth of solar energy in Europe, losses from dirt could account for billions of euros a year.
Therefore, the research team at Jian University is using photovoltaic laboratories to find solutions.
Some scientists focus on developing dust-resistant layers, while others look at how dust accumulates with different weather conditions, such as high and low temperatures, and low rainfall.
There are many variables that need to be taken into account.
For example, dust grains may be of different sizes or colors, and can affect how well solar panel installations perform.
Even design elements make a difference, such as whether a painting is frameless or has a solid lip around its tip.
Professor Almonacid says that Sahara dust is particularly problematic: "Sahara dust particles are very fine.
It ’ s especially hard to clean. ”
The Cost and Benefit Dilemma of Solar Panel Cleaning
Renewable energy company Sonnedix faces the grime challenge every day, monitoring production from each solar power generation site and carefully calculating when cleaning PV panels is commercially feasible.
The cost of cleaning is considerable – around €400-500 per megawatt – so there are difficult choices to make depending on how the power plant is priced.
Joanne Fernandez, chief operating officer of the company, told Euronews: “As you generate electricity, every kilowatt-hour is important for the plant ’ s revenue, so this dust weather has a big impact. ”
He is now working with meteorologists to help plan cleaning sessions according to dirt weather conditions, and the amount of rainfall, as light spray may increase the soiling of the panels, and heavy rain may wash them away for free.
“Severe dust storms coming from the Sahara desert could actually lead to a significant reduction in production within the network, and this could cause a significant problem for the network operator, ” he explains.
“So forecasting, forecasting, and the ability to proactively manage the network is the most important, ” he says.
Announcement
Have dust storms from the Sahara increased due to climate change?
The recent increase in dust storms coming from the Sahara desert could be the result of natural climate variability, or it could be caused by something else.
A spokesman for the Copernicus Meteorological Authority told Euronews: “Although the arrival of dust plumes from the Sahara to Europe is not unusual, there has been an increase in the intensity and frequency of such weather conditions in recent years, and may be attributed to changes in atmospheric circulation patterns. ”
There is some speculation that these changes in atmospheric air circulation patterns are linked to climate change.
Dust expert Dr. Eduardo Fernandez says: “Scientists are always cautious about drawing conclusions, and that should be the case, right? ”
“But what we ’ re seeing is that there ’ s been a dramatic increase in extreme weather conditions, not just in terms of slabs getting dirty, but also in terms of rainfall and wind blowing.
“We are recording more dust storms coming from the Sahara, and they are increasingly penetrating into larger areas in northern Europe, and there is, of course, suspicion that global warming is the cause, ” he concludes.
Announcement
Share this article

How does Saharan dust affect immediate weather?

What are the negative effects of Saharan dust storm on infrastructure?

City planners can prepare for dust storms by designing resilient infrastructure, using underground power lines, and conducting routine inspections.

Title:

Content:
Storm Resiliency And Response Checklist For Energy Utilities

(MENAFN- 3BL) Storm Resiliency and Response Checklist for Energy Utilities: Are You Ready?

Floods, hurricanes, tornadoes, earthquakes and wildfires pose dangerous threats to critical infrastructure. In the wake of these natural disasters, the essential nature of the services that energy utilities provide becomes even more obvious. Service outages during extreme weather events threaten public health and safety and disrupt the economy. Without power, families can't heat their homes amid sub-freezing temperatures. Interruption of the power grid poses a significant threat beyond just financial loss and damage to reputation; the operational integrity of this critical infrastructure is vital to the community, and any disruption could endanger lives.

It keeps energy utilities up at night: a major storm has rolled through, and customers are without service. Systems need to be back up and running again as soon as possible. By adopting a proactive approach, it's possible to mitigate the risk of service disruptions. Energy utilities should consider the following four steps on the resiliency-bolstering journey: Plan, Prepare, Respond and Recover.

Step 1. Plan

Disasters are cyclical. The main goal of resiliency is to break the cycle so that the impacts of the next disaster are less severe for people and property. Planning and preparation may seem synonymous, but in this context, planning refers to actions taken years if not decades ahead of time. Consider the way we prioritize our personal health and well-being: while visiting an emergency doctor may be necessary on rare occasions, making preventative care visits to a primary physician lowers the risk of unforeseen health crises. Similarly, safeguarding our critical infrastructure requires a proactive approach centered around prevention. In the planning phase, it's critical for energy utilities to evaluate weather-related risks, identify vulnerable assets and infrastructure, and determine what can be done ahead of time to mitigate these risks.

New Infrastructure: Design for Resiliency

Although retrofits and repairs are unavoidable in some cases, the ideal strategy is to consider storm resiliency at the time of design and construction – going back as far as the site due diligence and land use planning stages. Before embarking on the development of critical infrastructure such as transmission lines or substations, consider the geographical features, elevations, and water levels of the proposed site. For ongoing construction projects, implement strategies to protect assets and equipment. Flood plains and shorelines are shifting, so assets close to waterways should consider a hydrology study and coastal terrain mapping. Energy utilities may also want to consider a long-term approach to undergrounding their power lines in regions prone to weather-related disruptions; underground lines are less vulnerable to storm damage, falling debris and other environmental factors that cause outages.

Existing Infrastructure: Mitigate Impacts

Aging infrastructure tends to be more at-risk; it's recommended to perform routine inspections and maintenance of rights-of-way. Develop a comprehensive hazard mitigation plan that includes a thorough risk assessment, operational optimizations, disaster procedure development, personnel training, and technology upgrade recommendations. Procure essential replacement parts and equipment ahead of time to avoid supply chain disruption in future emergencies. Analyze organizational effectiveness to assure staff are trained and available at critical times. Frequently test communications networks used to distribute evacuation warnings and other life-saving information. Many areas also have Local Emergency Planning Commissions (LEPCs) available to advise utilities directly on how to make infrastructure and operations more resilient.

Consider Climate Modeling

As weather events increase in severity, climate risk modeling is another modern planning measure that benefits service providers. Engaging a climate trend analysis consultant can provide valuable insights and help you make informed decisions regarding your service area. Predictive analytics reveal when existing infrastructure and physical assets may be at risk in the near and long term. These insights will help determine what, where and when to prioritize climate risk mitigation measures. Climate risk modeling also helps with making a strong business case for system hardening by enabling a cost-benefit analysis of potential preventative investments. Black & Veatch's eBook on climate modeling for utilities explains how to address key factors including location, weather patterns and climate change data.

Case Study: Proactive Texas Utility Protects Customers a Decade After Implementing Winterization Strategies

In February 2021, a powerful storm blanketed Texas with snow and ice. Record low temperatures knocked out power and heat to 4.5 million homes and businesses across the state. More than 200 lives were lost, and property damage amounted to more than $190 billion. New questions arose about confidence in the grid's resiliency. In the western Texas town of El Paso, the situation was significantly different. Out of El Paso Electric's 443,000 customers, less than 3,000 lost power during the polar vortex. Why was this city faring better than the rest of the state?

In 2011, El Paso experienced a traumatic storm which, at the time, was the region's worst weather event in half a century. After life-threatening disruptions to power and water, El Paso Electric decided they would never let this happen to their city again. The utility enlisted Black & Veatch's expertise and spent 18 months winterizing their generation, transmission, and distribution assets. El Paso Electric set a prime example for other utilities by taking system hardening measures to bolster grid integrity. In the event of the next polar blitz, strategic winterization blueprints could keep utilities and their most vulnerable customers from being left out in the cold. Learn more about this project here.

Step 2. Prepare

The planning phase consists of what an organization does on paper to document physical actions to take. During the preparedness phase, plans are executed to ensure that people, equipment, resources and infrastructure are ready before disaster strikes. Although actions in the preparation phase still are considered preventative measures, the time available to implement them may be more limited than during the planning stage. Regardless of missed planning opportunities, preparation efforts still are more affordable than emergency responses and can optimize outage and recovery timelines.

Focus on Low-Cost, High-Impact Strategies

There are cost-effective, high-impact preparation measures such as deploying sandbags to strategically re-route stormwater in flood-prone areas. Monitor the storm's progress and adjust the response as necessary. Prepare field crews for potential rapid deployment and extended work hours.

Coordinate with Other Stakeholders

To protect inhabitants of the service area, it's critical to cooperate with the federal, state and/or local emergency management departments and collaborate to prepare a customized, comprehensive plan. These public safety officials have the authority in all jurisdictions to enforce evacuations, and it's essential for all stakeholders (including other utilities, law enforcement, transit agencies, and local businesses) to follow their instructions in disaster situations. The emergency management department has planned for the worst-case scenario (such as a downed power line over a major road) and developed redundant evacuation routes to get people out of harm's way. Make sure personnel are informed on the latest version of this plan. Prepare a procedure on how to communicate real-time hazard updates and outages with customers and other affected stakeholders.

Step 3. Respond

Much like planning and preparation, response and recoverysometimes are seen as interchangeable, but the distinction in this context is important. Response refers to actions taken during and immediately after a natural disaster, while recovery refers to the more long-term efforts to get a community back on its feet. With aging infrastructure plaguing virtually every service provider, the possibility of failure is looming. The planning and preparedness phases are critical for increasing the resilience of these systems, and those pre-disaster phases should inform response and recovery activities when facing the threat of a system failure.

Prioritize the Three Ps: People, Property and Prevention

Response efforts include protecting people, protecting property, and preventing the situation from escalating. Even if the customer has been evacuated from the service area, the hazards aren't gone. A damage assessment and triage of district assets needs to be completed to identify and immediately address live electrical wires, damaged substations and fallen poles. Damage assessments can be completed by personnel on foot, by vehicle, through remote-enabled technology such as drones, or a combination of these methods. Energy utilities benefit from employing either in-house or external damage assessment professionals that can be mobilized immediately after a natural disaster.

Safely Repair Assets and Restore Services

Restoration of the power grid continues to be important in the response phase. To ensure a complete restoration of operations, deploy crews for repair and replacements as necessary. Conduct adequate testing of repaired equipment and infrastructure before restoring to full operation.

Case Study: Supporting Utilities Through the Biggest Storms of Our Generation

In early 2023, Winter Storm Mara had widespread impacts from Texas to Tennessee – causing more than 150,000 systemwide power outages. A local energy utility hired Bird Electric, a Black & Veatch company, as an outside contractor to augment their ongoing power restoration efforts. The utility historically hadn't needed to request external contractor support, but the unprecedented scale of these outages and post-storm conditions of ice and fallen trees called for special expertise. Bird Electric provided essential equipment and placed more than 1,000 full-time employees in the field. Coordinating a vast number of outside resources resulted in various logistical challenges, but Bird Electric was able to expedite crew onboarding and resource allocation – enabling safe and timely restoration of power for the affected community.

Step 4. Recover

Recovery encompasses long-term and future-focused efforts to restore damaged grid infrastructure and get the community back to“business as usual.” These recovery efforts could take months, years or even decades depending on the severity of the disaster and the region's level of resiliency. Mitigation activities should be considered while conducting recovery efforts, to increase resiliency and ensure that future disasters do not repeat the same damage to infrastructure.

Leverage Applicable Funding

If an organization is eligible, the recovery phase presents an opportunity when federal funding may become of greater interest. The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) provides funding for new and existing programs related to storm resiliency and response. Even with billions of dollars on the table, it can be challenging for energy utilities to navigate the funding available for recovery efforts and the complex requirements. Consider working with an expert consultant partner that specializes in getting the most out of federal grant dollars.

Return to Step 1: Continuous Improvement to Break the Cycle of Devastation

The recovery phase builds upon all the previous steps: planning from years prior, preparation from just before the storm, and damages remaining after the initial response. Although recovery is the“final” step in this context, this is actually where the resiliency journey makes a full circle back to the planning phase. Reflecting on lessons learned and continuously improving the resiliency plan is essential to prevent history from repeating itself.

Next Steps: Collaborate with an Expert Advisory Partner to Guide Your Resiliency Journey

Storm-related dangers are only increasing in severity. Half of all U.S. states will be in the top 5% most at-risk locations in the world by 2050. Many grid systems are built upon aging infrastructure and are at risk of catastrophic failure. Many energy utilities haven't been able to make upgrades due to complicated funding qualifications or uncertainty about the best path forward. Fortunately, expert advisory partners are available to help utilities navigate all the complexities of developing a robust and comprehensive storm resiliency strategy.

At the end of the day, the core mission is to ensure uninterrupted power for customers, regardless of the challenges posed by nature. Although all four of these steps -- plan, prepare, respond and recover -- are important, planning cultivates the biggest opportunity to mitigate risk and bolster resiliency. Mapping out resilience before critical infrastructure is even built is ideal. Collaborating with a design-build expert that offers a full suite of engineering, construction, management, funding advisory, and storm readiness services can provide numerous advantages for both new and existing assets. By partnering with a company that offers all these capabilities in-house, providers can benefit from a streamlined process that ensures continuity and consistency throughout the project lifecycle. This approach can help to optimize project outcomes, reduce delays and budget overruns, and ensure that assets are well-equipped to withstand natural disasters and other disruptive events.

MENAFN16042024007202015466ID1108101650

Legal Disclaimer:
MENAFN provides the information “as is” without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the provider above.

Climate risk modeling and winterization strategies can help prevent power outages.

How can the authorities prepare for a Saharan dust storm?

City planners in San Antonio can mitigate Saharan dust storms by reducing air pollution, increasing green spaces, and promoting public health awareness.

How can the authorities prepare for a Saharan dust storm?

Urban planning in San Antonio can reduce the impacts of Saharan dust storms by designing buildings and public spaces that minimize dust entry and promote clean air circulation.

Title:

Content: Dust storms.
sources and danger.
|
At the beginning of this year's spring season, the incidence of dust storms increased significantly.
Their frequency varies from year to year, but generally increases in the transitional periods between seasons, especially spring and autumn, for many reasons, some natural and others of a human nature, that is, by man.
Dust storms are fast winds that transport dust and plankton, causing a lack of visibility at short distances.
Despite the great controversy over the causes of dust or dust storms and the fact that the camel bears full responsibility for their occurrence, as stated in one of the videos circulated on social media, the reasons are not limited to the poor camel alone, even if it is one of the reasons!
The causes of dust storms are many, including: (1) Desertification as a result of drought resulting from low rainfall.
(2) Desertification due to human activities associated with overgrazing as a result of increasing numbers of camels and sheep on pasture capacity.
(3) Extensive agricultural activities, especially ploughing the land and leaving it exposed for long periods.
(4) Soil movement as a result of development and military actions and absurd car tracks in deserts that led to the breaking and dismantling of the soil and the destruction of vegetation cover.
(5) The reduction of the surface groundwater table, which led to the drying of the soil and thus the impact on the vegetation cover.
Globally, sub-Saharan Africa is the main contributor to Earth ’ s dust storms, which travel to the Americas via the Atlantic Ocean via tropical east winds.
But the Fertile Crescent has also become a source of dust, due to the halving of agricultural production as a result of climate change.
Iraq is one of the sources of dust storms as a result of the decline of the level of rivers, which led to the drought of the marshes and lakes in Iraq and Iran, and add to the list of sources open deserts of the Kingdom, which suffer environmental degradation as a result of human tampering of unfair grazing and wood and the like.
Dust storms are one of the factors responsible for increased allergic reactions, asthma attacks and chronic breathing problems, as well as blood vessels and heart disease.
Dust storms are also carriers of microorganisms, including bacteria, fungi, germs and viruses that cause certain diseases.
Besides, dust storms have economic effects, they adversely affect agricultural production by transporting agricultural pests, reducing photosynthetic activity, destroying crops, as well as affecting infrastructure, by reducing visibility, disrupting energy and air and road transport systems, burying railways, as well as contributing to the deterioration of the performance of solar panels, as well as damaging residential property.
There is no doubt that dust storms and their increased frequency are a warning sign that requires a rapid response through a review of environmental regulations, the need to raise the environmental awareness of the population, the organization of grazing seasons based on the identification of the pastoral capacity of each region, as well as innovative solutions to mitigate desertification that benefit from tremendous technical progress.
Finally, it follows from the above that the problem is not country-specific, but a regional problem that requires concerted efforts.
The Green Middle East initiative by Prince Mohammed bin Salman is designed to design innovative solutions to address climate change and promote environmental sustainability through a number of projects, including: planting 50 billion trees across the Middle East region and reclaiming 200 million hectares of degraded land through afforestation, which contributes to a 2.5 per cent reduction in global carbon emissions.
Publish it.

How does Saharan dust affect immediate weather?

Green spaces in urban areas like San Antonio improve air quality and public health.

Title:

Content: Why our cities need more green spaces

Environmentalists and community leaders have emphasised the need for including green spaces when designing cities. The experts gathered recently in Nakuru to discuss interventions to curb air pollution, one of the world’s leading health hazards.

Speaking during celebrations to mark the International Day for Clean Air and Clear Skies whose theme was ‘Together for Clean Air’, they focused on petroleum products, charcoal, wood and solid waste, which release greenhouse gases such as carbon, carbon monoxide, sulphur dioxide, and nitrogen oxides. These gases deplete the ozone, weakening its ability to block harmful ultraviolet sun's rays that cause overheating.

“Human activities are causing environmental degradation in our cities and towns and we should thus look for solutions urgently,” said Grace Karanja, Nakuru County director of Environment and Natural Resources.

PM2.5 particles from air pollution can damage the lungs and cause brain damage and stroke. Other health risks are heart disease, asthma and low birth weight.

In this regard, urban planners have been urged to design urban centres with open and green spaces, which will act as carbon absorbers, air fresheners and recreational facilities.

A study by SEI Africa Centre has linked pollutants and heating to health issues in cities. The study highlights the importance of creating liveable, equitable and enjoyable urban environments for residents. This is especially crucial as more people move to urban areas.

Kenya’s urban population has grown at a rate of four per cent, as reported by UN-Habitat in 2020. Since independence, the urban population has increased from 12 per cent to 29 per cent of the total national population. Currently, around 16 million people out of a total population of 55 million reside in urban areas.

Prof Eleni Myrivili, UN global chief heat officer, explains that cities and towns are typically a few degrees hotter than the surroundings because of heat released by fossil fuels and absorbed by infrastructure such as asphalt roads and concrete car parks.

She advises modern city planners to emphasise inter-spacing green spaces and water bodies, with regular infrastructure development to mitigate atmospheric heating and trap carbon emissions.

“Burning fossil fuels has made heat waves increase and become more common. People are just starting to realise that we are dealing with another beast – the heating of urban centres. We need to replace our road surfaces with permeable road surfaces, create strategic water bodies and plant a lot of trees to lower temperatures,” she emphasises.

“Yet when Kenyans see open spaces in towns, they consider them as “wasted land,”  laments Joseph Kopejo, director Nakuru County National Environment Management Authority. “With climate change increasing the intensity and frequency of heatwaves, urban planners, developers and Kenyans must start appreciating the need to have undisturbed spaces. I love walking. In Kajiado County, I can walk for kilometres, but here in Nakuru, you hardly walk a kilometre without encountering structures,” Mr Kopejo states.

He explains that after the gazettement of air quality regulations, the National Environment Management Authority is currently implementing the law targeted at stationary polluters such as industries and other enterprises and that the agency is working on modalities to address mobile polluters such as vehicles.

Wilson Gitu, the Nakuru Business Association chairman, says the business community is seeking collaboration with the county government to set up an electric-powered Bus Rapid Transport system. “This will improve mobility in a city whose mantra is ‘a modern city enhancing quality of life and promoting economic prosperity’,” he says.

“I envision a city with world-class green amenities, which guarantees our people good health and promises sustainable development to our future generations, out of clean air interventions such as an efficient green transport system and a waste management system that emphasises three principles of reduce, re-use and recycle,” says Frank Kiiru, a resident of Nakuru City.

People with asthma should stay indoors during late June to mid-August Saharan dust storms to mitigate the effects.

How can people protect their health during Saharan dust storms?

How does Saharan dust affect immediate weather?

What are the negative health effects of Saharan dust?

Warning alerts are issued to inform citizens of potential health risks during dust storms.

Title:

Content: 0

Layer of Saharan dust will affect the Bahamas by the weekend

By EARYEL BOWLEG

Tribune Staff Reporter

ebowleg@tribunemedia.net

RESIDENTS are urged to “safeguard their health” as a plume of Sahara dust moves over the south-east Bahamas.

The Department of Meteorology said the dust will gradually move across the country this weekend.

It warned the dust could be problematic for people with allergies and respiratory issues.

“Sahara dust is made of sand, dirt, and other dust particles that are lifted into the atmosphere from the vast Sahara Desert in Africa,” the advisory said.

Acting director of meteorology Jeffrey Simmons told The Tribune the dust tends to appear around this time every year.

He said the dust has lingered around southeastern islands for the past week, prompting some to complain about allergies.

“That’s the reason, you know, why we put out this warning alerting people about it, people who have these allergy issues or any respiratory issues so that they could, you know, be aware of the impact this could have on them for this weekend and possibly going into another week or two,” he said.

How can the authorities prepare for a Saharan dust storm?

public awareness & education
implement a warning system

How does Saharan dust affect immediate weather?

Dust storms can trigger allergy symptoms and irritate airways.

Title:

Content: Dust storm from Sahara to hit Türkiye

Dust storm from Sahara to hit Türkiye

İZMİR

A massive dust storm from the Sahara Desert is expected to shroud the country, with experts warning citizens, especially those with respiratory disorders, to take precautions.

Professor Dr. Doğan Yaşar, a climate scientist, cautioned that a period of intense dust transport will begin on March 25.

"Red-colored desert dust laden with iron particles will arrive in large quantities," he explained.

"While this dust fertilizes the soil and benefits agriculture, it can also trigger allergy symptoms like dry cough and sneezing, especially for people with asthma or other lung conditions,” he said.

Yaşar emphasized the importance of wearing masks during this period. "People with lung diseases should wear a particle-retaining mask for three weeks, if possible," he advised. "Regular masks can offer some protection as well."

"A single pine tree produces 12 billion pollen. Thus, during this period, pollen multiplies very intensively in the air. When we inhale this, we experience discomfort. It is especially dangerous for people with lung diseases such as asthma," he added.

The dust storm is a natural phenomenon that occurs annually, transporting around two billion tons of dust from the Sahara to various parts of the world. The professor highlighted the ecological benefits of this dust, which acts as a natural fertilizer. However, he cautions that the concentrated dust can irritate airways and exacerbate allergies.

While the dust storm may cause temporary inconveniences, Yaşar reassured citizens that there's no need for alarm.

"The dust benefits agriculture, but it's important to be aware of the potential health risks, especially for those with respiratory problems," he concluded.

dust storms, Türkiye,

How does Saharan dust affect immediate weather?

What are the negative health effects of Saharan dust?

Air quality monitoring systems are essential for estimating air contaminants, and sensors, modeling tools, and data analytics can help detect and respond to Saharan dust storms in San Antonio. [10].

Title:

Content: SONOMA TECHNOLOGY AND CLARITY MOVEMENT JOIN FORCES TO PROVIDE COMPREHENSIVE AIR MONITORING SOLUTIONS

Published: Mar. 29, 2023 at 11:00 AM EDT|Updated: 2 hours ago

BERKELEY, Calif., March 29, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Clarity Movement Co. (Clarity) and Sonoma Technology are excited to announce that they have signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to work together to provide comprehensive air quality monitoring solutions for government agencies, communities, and businesses seeking integrated air quality management services.

SONOMA TECHNOLOGY AND CLARITY MOVEMENT JOIN FORCES TO PROVIDE COMPREHENSIVE AIR MONITORING SOLUTIONS.

The two organizations jointly have decades of experience providing scalable, cost-effective air monitoring solutions that leverage best-in-class technology. Through this partnership, Clarity will provide cutting-edge air quality monitoring technology, calibration, and data management services, while Sonoma Technology will provide project design, capacity building, and project management expertise, along with informed and effective data analysis, modeling, and advisory support.

Together, they will offer a comprehensive solution that includes hardware, software, and air quality management services to help government agencies and the communities they serve track air quality in real time, identify sources of air pollution, and advocate for targeted measures to reduce air pollution.

The partnership specifically focuses on leveraging both companies' strengths to offer comprehensive solutions such as:

  • Integrated Air Monitoring and Management Solutions — Air quality management agencies are increasingly moving toward hybrid systems that leverage the strengths of both traditional regulatory air monitoring equipment and newer, lower-cost options such as air quality sensors. Sonoma Technology will offer a comprehensive, seamless package that leverages Clarity's sensors alongside other best-in-class regulatory and research-grade air quality monitoring systems. The package will include access to proprietary Sonoma Technology tools like eSIMS© air monitoring network management software to schedule, log, and track monitoring network information in one place, as well as advanced data analysis systems like the Insight© data management and public reporting system, which offers customizable data acquisition pipelines, real-time data displays on public websites, and automated alerts.
  • Air Quality Information Systems & Wildfire Smoke Monitoring — The best-in-class low-cost air quality measurement solutions offered by Clarity can now be bundled with the air quality modeling and forecasting capabilities of Sonoma Technology. Measurement and modeling are offered in one comprehensive package, with advanced modeling and high-resolution forecasting tools like Sonoma Technology's ExactAQ overlaid on Clarity's already-robust air quality data. High-quality data from Clarity monitoring technology will also underpin Sonoma Technology's advanced decision-support tools like AQ360©, a model-driven system to enhance situational awareness, identify likely emission sources, rapidly assess emission impacts to the surrounding community, and alleviate concerns or address inquiries from agencies and the public.
  • Community Air Monitoring Capacity Building, Education, and Outreach — For customers looking to leverage Clarity's air quality measurement equipment, Sonoma Technology will provide science and advisory support for network design, implementation, education, outreach, and data analysis and modeling. This will include access to programs like Kids Making Sense®, an environmental education program that teaches students about air quality and pollution using hand-held sensors, empowering them to drive for positive change in their communities. This approach will be of particular value to environmental justice and community-oriented air monitoring applications where capacity building is key to success.

"We are excited to partner with Clarity Movement to offer comprehensive air quality monitoring and air pollution management solutions that leverage the strengths of each of our teams," said Lyle R. Chinkin, Chief Scientist and CEO of Sonoma Technology. "We believe that everyone has the right to breathe clean air, and this partnership will help make that a reality for communities across the United States and beyond."

"This partnership represents a significant step forward in our mission to empower the world to reduce air pollution and promote environmental justice for underserved communities," said Sean Wihera, Vice President of Business Development & Partnerships at Clarity Movement. "We are excited to work with Sonoma Technology to provide a comprehensive air monitoring solution and help these communities leverage the grant funding they receive from the EPA to implement targeted solutions to air pollution."

The comprehensive air monitoring solutions offered through this partnership are an ideal fit for government agencies and community-based organizations applying for grant funding to support clean air initiatives through the EPA's EJG2G, EJCPS, and EJ TCGM programs. This may include joint projects and proposals to support:

  • Establishing initial monitoring systems and sensor networks in communities with no existing monitoring resources,
  • Providing data analysis, data modeling, and education and outreach solutions in communities with existing sensor networks, and
  • Expanding communities with existing sensor networks to include more robust air monitoring resources, such as regulatory and research-grade monitoring systems, as well as advanced data analysis systems for identifying source contributions and tracking air quality and emissions trends.

The partnership between Sonoma Technology and Clarity Movement is expected to help environmental agencies and disadvantaged communities alike access and leverage grant funding to improve air quality across the United States and beyond. The two parties will be working to develop a roadmap over the next 12 months to establish a robust long-term business relationship.

About Clarity Movement

Clarity provides the most complete, scalable air monitoring solution, with unmatched hardware, software, and expert services. Used in more than 70 countries, Clarity solutions empower our customers with continuous monitoring, for accurate data in a fully supported, worry-free environment. For more information, visit: https://www.clarity.io/.

About Sonoma Technology

Sonoma Technology is a private consulting firm and a federally certified small business that delivers innovative science- and technology-based solutions for clients' air quality, meteorological, and environmental science needs. For more than 40 years, they have led projects throughout the United States and abroad that address regulatory, policy, and scientific objectives. They are experts in the design, installation, and operation of regulatory- and research-grade air quality and meteorological monitoring systems.For more information visit www.sonomatech.com/.

Media Contact
Ilyas Frenkel
ilyas@clarity.io

Hilary Hafner
Hilary@sonomatech.com

View original content to download multimedia:

SOURCE Clarity

The above press release was provided courtesy of PRNewswire. The views, opinions and statements in the press release are not endorsed by Gray Media Group nor do they necessarily state or reflect those of Gray Media Group, Inc.

How does Saharan dust affect immediate weather?

What areas of the Americas have been affected by Saharan dust storms?

What areas of the US have been affected by Saharan dust storms?