Saharan dust storms, transported as part of the Saharan Air Layer (SAL), regularly affect parts of the Americas including Texas and the Gulf Coast, impacting weather, air quality, and environmental conditions.

In San Antonio specifically, these storms cause hazy, milky skies and produce visually prominent sunrises and sunsets due to light scattering by dust particles.

The dust typically peaks from late June through mid-August, coinciding with early hurricane season months.

One key immediate weather impact is the introduction of dry air containing about 50% less moisture, which suppresses cloud formation and reduces precipitation, leading to hotter, drier conditions.

This dry air also inhibits tropical cyclone formation in the Gulf and Atlantic, offering an inadvertent benefit by lowering hurricane risks in the region .

Negative impacts primarily concern public health and city infrastructure.

The dust transports mineral particles alongside bacteria and fungi, some potentially pathogenic, heightening risks of respiratory issues, allergies, and increased asthma attacks, especially in sensitive populations.

San Antonio residents are advised to limit outdoor activity and utilize masks during heavy dust periods to reduce inhalation risks.

The occurrence of hazy conditions can also reduce visibility, potentially complicating traffic safety and placing increased demands on emergency health services.

Power grids face indirect challenges largely tied to these conditions and related city service strains, though direct grid damage has not been a major issue historically .

On the positive side, Saharan dust contributes essential nutrients such as iron and phosphorus that fertilize ecosystems including the Amazon rainforest and marine environments, supporting biodiversity and fisheries.

However, excessive dust can also smother coral reefs and disrupt local environments, so ecological effects vary by context .

Saharan dust storms, transported as part of the Saharan Air Layer (SAL), regularly affect parts of the Americas including Texas and the Gulf Coast, impacting weather, air quality, and environmental conditions.

Title:

Content: 03-27-2024

Sahara desert dust storms carry harmful bacteria and fungi around the globe

We often dismiss springtime allergies as reactions to local pollen. Yet, something else might cause our sniffles and sneezes: a massive dust storms that originate thousands of miles away in Africa’s Sahara region.

These gargantuan dust plumes travel the globe every summer, carrying a cocktail of pollutants and potential pathogens across continents.

Dr. Shankar Chellam, a Texas A&M University professor is leading the charge to understand the biological hitchhikers within dust storms.

He and his team are working to determine what microbes, specifically bacteria and fungi, migrate with the dust and explore their potential impact on human health.

Hidden passengers in Sahara dust

“We all get allergies and potentially other more severe health effects when we breathe in dust, and it’s not fully known as to what causes those allergies,” said Dr. Chellam.

“Some people may think it is just the sand or clay minerals in the dust. Others think it is the metals or organics in the dust, and then some think it’s the bacteria and fungi.”

The Saharan dust cloud carries vast amounts of sand particles that transport bacteria and fungi.

Dr. Chellam’s research uniquely addresses how Saharan dust storms introduce these microbes into North America.

What the dust storm from Sahara tells us

Dr. Chellam and his team analyzed samples from a Saharan dust event that reached Houston in 2018. They measured metals, bacteria, and fungi to investigate any connections.

Fascinatingly, their findings revealed strong links between the biodiversity of the microbes and specific elements, especially calcium.

While these elements occur naturally in the Sahara, they also exist in our local environments. Pinpointing the exact origin of the dust and its cargo remains a challenge that scientists continue to tackle.

Our air – Not as empty as we think

Perhaps the most startling discovery is that even seemingly lifeless clouds of dust brim with biological activity.

“A key takeaway from this study is that a lot of biodiversity is not scientifically described. It doesn’t have a name, it can’t be cultured, and because it can’t be cultured, it’s difficult to study,” explained Dr. Daniel Spalink, assistant professor at Texas A&M.

The team’s high-tech DNA analysis allowed them to create an inventory of bacteria and fungi, even if the microbes themselves weren’t active.

Surprisingly, they found traces of several pathogens known to cause disease in humans, as listed by the World Health Organization (WHO).

“It doesn’t tell us if they are going to be able to infect us and make us sick,” Spalink cautions, “But at least the DNA of several pathogenic bacteria and fungi were identified in the African dust.”

Impact of climate change on Sahara dust

Climate change is altering weather patterns globally. This transformation affects dust storm behavior, leading to variations in their frequency and intensity.

In 2020, the United States experienced the most massive Saharan dust storm ever recorded, which experts named “Godzilla.”

This event highlighted the potential for increasing occurrences of such dust invasions. “The whole dynamics of the Saharan dust coming to Houston is primarily driven by atmospheric processes,” said Dr. Sourav Das, a former student of Dr. Chellam.

Global connection of Sahara dust

Sahara dust storm travels far beyond the borders of North America, affecting global environmental systems in profound ways.

This dust, originating from the vast Sahara Desert, embarks on transcontinental journeys that influence climate, ocean biology, and ecosystems far removed from its source.

The Saharan dust plays a critical role in climate regulation. As it travels across oceans and continents, it reflects sunlight back into space, cooling the Earth’s surface.

This natural phenomenon acts as a counterbalance to the warming effects of greenhouse gases, showcasing how desert dust can influence global temperatures.

However, the dust also carries microorganisms and nutrients, such as phosphorus, that fertilize remote ecosystems, from the Amazon rainforest to the Caribbean Sea, demonstrating nature’s complex nutrient cycles.

Benefits to oceans

Ocean biology benefits from the nutrient-rich dust as well. When Saharan dust settles on ocean waters, it delivers essential minerals that stimulate the growth of phytoplankton.

These microscopic plants form the foundation of the oceanic food chain, supporting a diverse array of marine life.

The influx of nutrients from the Sahara can thus boost marine productivity, affecting fish populations and the global fishing industry.

Disadvantages

The impact of Saharan dust is not universally beneficial. In ecosystems unaccustomed to the influx of foreign particles and nutrients, the dust can disrupt local environments.

For example, excessive dust deposition can smother coral reefs, blocking sunlight and hindering photosynthesis. This can stress coral ecosystems, leading to bleaching events and loss of biodiversity.

Moreover, the health implications of Saharan dust extend across continents. The dust carries not only nutrients but also pollutants and pathogens that can affect air quality and public health.

Communities in the path of these dust plumes may experience increased respiratory issues, allergies, and diseases, highlighting the need for global health monitoring and preparedness.

Study insights

It’s crucial to gather data across multiple dust events, spanning many years, to get a clearer picture of these airborne microbial communities and how they might transform over time.

While a lot remains unknown, research like this shines a spotlight on the hidden travelers swirling in the air we breathe — travelers who might be affecting our health in surprising ways.

The next time you catch a glimpse of a dust storm rolling in, remember the globe-trotting microbes it carries!

The findings of the study are published in Environmental Science & Technology.

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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?

In San Antonio specifically, these storms cause hazy, milky skies and produce visually prominent sunrises and sunsets due to light scattering by dust particles.

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

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

The dust typically peaks from late June through mid-August, coinciding with early hurricane season months.

Title:

Content: Saharan dust reaches stunning levels in Atlantic. Here's what that means for hurricane season

Significant Saharan dust plumes are common in the Atlantic during the start of hurricane season. If levels of SAL maintain a steadiness after about Aug. 20, then there would be significant ramifications to both the amount of cyclones and their overall strength.

First, Europe that was socked in by record levels of dust from the Sahara Desert in Africa. The Atlantic appears to have now taken the lead, with dust levels not seen in years across parts of the basin.

Satellite measurements indicate intensive plumes of dust, called the Saharan Air Layer, across much of the eastern Atlantic. Traces of dust have even made the more than 4,000-mile journey to Florida and the Gulf Coast.

Sunrises and sunsets have been enhanced across the Sunshine State as the particles scatter typical colors, allowing hues of orange, yellow and red to dominate the sky.

Aside from the vibrant colors, something not falling from the sky is precipitation.

According to NOAA, the air surrounding the SAL has about 50% less moisture than the typical atmosphere. This means the presence of the SAL can be detrimental to cloud formation and thunderstorm activity.

Significant plumes of dust and dry air are common during the first months of the hurricane season and usually persist through mid-August.

A LOOK AT A PHENOMENON THAT COULD DERAIL AN ACTIVE HURRICANE SEASON

How Saharan dust impacts hurricane season

NOAA estimates that more than 180 million tons of dust leave the African continent every year, reducing thunderstorm activity and tropical cyclone formation.

Dry air and Saharan dust are perennial wild cards in tropical weather outlooks, as meteorology has yet to develop sufficient methods to forecast plumes weeks and months in advance.

Years with significant dust often experience reduced cyclone activity. Seasons with minimal dust typically rank at the top echelons of activity, thanks to increased moisture availability for tropical systems and warmer water temperatures.

The current season is a bit unusual as water temperatures started on the warm side across much of the basin, negating any minor effects from a dust storm.

Warm waters and limited exposure to dry air helped with the formations of AlbertoBeryl and Chris during late June and early July.

Since Beryl’s historic trek through the Caribbean and into the Gulf of Mexico, the basin has been relatively quiet, a likely product of the increase in dry air.

The trend for limited activity in the Atlantic basin is expected to continue for the foreseeable future, meaning that the next cyclone formation may be weeks away.

5 THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT THE SAHARAN DUST PLUME

During an average year, the fourth-named storm usually doesn’t form until about Aug. 15, meaning any formation during the next month will keep the season ahead of a typical schedule.

Despite the hostile conditions in the Atlantic, hurricane forecasters at Colorado State University maintain that 2024 will be a busy season in the Atlantic.

CSU released its updated outlook Tuesday, which calls for an additional 22 named storms, 11 hurricanes and five major hurricanes.

"This forecast is of above-normal confidence. We anticipate a well above-average probability for major hurricane landfalls along the continental United States coastline and in the Caribbean," CSU forecasters stated during their most recent tropical update. "As with all hurricane seasons, coastal residents are reminded that it only takes one hurricane making landfall to make it an active season."

The season runs through Nov. 30, but nearly 60% of cyclone formation occurs in August and September.

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One key immediate weather impact is the introduction of dry air containing about 50% less moisture, which suppresses cloud formation and reduces precipitation, leading to hotter, drier conditions.

Title:

Content: Hurricane Killer? Here are some things you may not know about Saharan dust

Dust from Africa moves across the Atlantic every year from late spring to early fall

It’s a common visitor in the summer months: dust from the Saharan Desert. Hazy skies and occasional allergies are common issues caused by the dust. But did you know that this layer of dust is more interesting than it appears? Here are some things you may not know about Saharan dust:

KEY TAKEAWAYS

  • Millions of tons of dust are transported across the Atlantic every year
  • Nutrient-rich Saharan dust plays a crucial role in the global ecosystem
  • Dust suppresses hurricane development

WHOLE LOTTA DUST!

Every year, from late spring to early fall, trade winds transport 180 million tons of dust from the Saharan Desert across the Atlantic Ocean. Impressively, that’s as much as 4.5 million 18-wheelers full of dust!

NATURE’S BEST FRIEND

Saharan dust is often rich in nutrients like iron and phosphorus. As the dust settles over the ocean, it fertilizes algae and plankton, allowing them to grow and flourish in an otherwise barren environment. These organisms are vital sources of food for ocean life.

Similarly, as the dust settles over land, areas like the Amazon rainforest benefit from the extra nutrients.

HURRICANE EXTINGUISHER

The African dust that moves across the Atlantic Ocean is also called the Saharan Air Layer (SAL). The SAL occurs in waves at the same time as Atlantic hurricane season, from June through November.

It’s known that the SAL limits hurricane development and strength. This is because tropical storms like hurricanes need deep, rich moisture from the surface to the top of the atmosphere to survive. Since the air carrying Saharan dust is usually dry, it can prevent storms from forming and suppress existing storms from growing and strengthening.

DUST’S IMPACT ON TEXAS

While a dense plume of dust sometimes causes minor allergy-like symptoms for some, the most noticeable impact is on Texas skies. A haze often forms on the horizon, giving an ordinarily clear, blue sky a milky hue during the day.

At sunrise and sunset, the horizon can appear brilliantly orange because, with dust in the air, sunlight has more particles to bounce off.

About the Author

Sarah Spivey is a San Antonio native who grew up watching KSAT. She has been a proud member of the KSAT Weather Authority Team since 2017. Sarah is a Clark High School and Texas A&M University graduate. She previously worked at KTEN News. When Sarah is not busy forecasting, she enjoys hanging out with her husband and cat, and playing music.

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How does Saharan dust affect immediate weather?

increases temperature
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This dry air also inhibits tropical cyclone formation in the Gulf and Atlantic, offering an inadvertent benefit by lowering hurricane risks in the region .

Title:

Content: Hurricane center begins tracking a system in the Caribbean

·2 min read

ORLANDO, Fla. — The National Hurricane Center has been jumping around the last few days tracking short-lived systems with the potential to form into a tropical depression or storm. Late Monday, the NHC began looking at the Caribbean Sea.

As of the NHC’s 8 p.m. Eastern time tropical update, a tropical wave located in the central Caribbean is forecast to move across Central America and emerge over the southwestern Gulf of Mexico where it could develop into the season’s next named system.

“Some gradual development of this system is possible thereafter as it moves slowly to the northwest or north-northwest over the southwestern Gulf of Mexico by this weekend,” said NHC hurricane specialist Philippe Papin.

The NHC gives the system a 20% chance of formation in the next five days.

The Caribbean system follows the NHC keeping track of a broad trough of low pressure in the mid-Atlantic late Sunday, but its chances of formation dropped to 0% by Monday morning. Over the weekend, the NHC tracked a system in the Gulf of Mexico, but it failed to form into more than a spate of showers and thunderstorms that drenched southeastern Texas. Before that, a system off the African coast showed some signs of development before environmental factors snuffed its chances.

Part of the reason for what prevents tropical storm development is the dry conditions in the Atlantic. A large migration of African dust, the Saharan Air Layer, or SAL, is the main reason tropical moisture isn’t at the ideal level for development. Large dust plumes are still pushing west of Africa and into the Caribbean, preventing the Atlantic basin from becoming a hurricane nursery, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s SAL forecast shows.

Hurricane season is approaching its peak, which runs from mid-August to mid-October, with Sept. 10 recorded as the statistically most productive day of storms in the tropics.

So far, the 2022 season has seen three named storms: Alex, Bonnie and Colin. Based on historical averages, the fourth named storm of the year typically appears by Aug. 15. If a system were to emerge, it would receive the name Danielle.

Last week, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration reaffirmed its preseason prediction of an above-average hurricane season with a range of 14 to 21 named storms. The NOAA expects most of those storms to emerge at the peak of the season.

Hurricane season ends on Nov. 30.

———

How does Saharan dust affect immediate weather?

Negative impacts primarily concern public health and city infrastructure.

How can the authorities prepare for a Saharan dust storm?

How does Saharan dust affect immediate weather?

The dust transports mineral particles alongside bacteria and fungi, some potentially pathogenic, heightening risks of respiratory issues, allergies, and increased asthma attacks, especially in sensitive populations.

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?

How does Saharan dust affect immediate weather?

What are the negative health effects of Saharan dust?

San Antonio residents are advised to limit outdoor activity and utilize masks during heavy dust periods to reduce inhalation risks.

How can people protect their health during Saharan dust storms?

How can the authorities prepare for a Saharan dust storm?

How does Saharan dust affect immediate weather?

What are the negative health effects of Saharan dust?

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

The occurrence of hazy conditions can also reduce visibility, potentially complicating traffic safety and placing increased demands on emergency health services.

How can the authorities prepare for a Saharan dust storm?

How does Saharan dust affect immediate weather?

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

Power grids face indirect challenges largely tied to these conditions and related city service strains, though direct grid damage has not been a major issue historically .

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 can the authorities prepare for a Saharan dust storm?

On the positive side, Saharan dust contributes essential nutrients such as iron and phosphorus that fertilize ecosystems including the Amazon rainforest and marine environments, supporting biodiversity and fisheries.

What are the positive effects of Saharan dust on the environment?

delivers essential minerals for phytoplankton

carries microorganisms and nutrients that act as fertilizer

However, excessive dust can also smother coral reefs and disrupt local environments, so ecological effects vary by context .

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

smothers coral reefs by blocking sunlight and hindering photosynthesis


Saharan dust storms, beyond their atmospheric and health effects, pose significant challenges to urban infrastructure, energy systems, and transportation networks.

The cumulative deposition of fine dust particles during these trans-Atlantic events can disrupt key components of city functionality, particularly in regions like Texas—including San Antonio—that regularly experience dust plume intrusions.

Understanding and anticipating these impacts is critical for developing effective mitigation and response strategies tailored to the needs of urban populations and critical systems.

One of the primary infrastructure vulnerabilities affected by Saharan dust is solar power generation, a rapidly expanding component of Texas’s energy portfolio.

Dust accumulation on photovoltaic (PV) panels forms a fine particulate layer that significantly impedes sunlight penetration, reducing panel efficiency.

Empirical studies associated with major dust events have documented solar capacity reductions ranging from 20% to as high as 80% when dust buildup remains unaddressed.

The magnitude of efficiency loss depends on dust concentration, particle size, humidity levels, and cleaning frequency.

Given Texas’s increasing reliance on solar energy within its power grid, these reductions translate directly into decreased electricity production, potentially straining energy resources during peak demand periods.

Proactive monitoring of dust deposition and implementation of cleaning schedules following dust events are therefore essential for maintaining stable power generation.

Utility operators must incorporate atmospheric dust forecasts into operational planning to schedule preventative maintenance and minimize downtime.

Beyond solar arrays, power transmission and distribution infrastructure faces challenges during Saharan dust episodes.

Dust settling on electrical insulators and lines can foster conditions conducive to arcing, short circuits, or corrosion, especially when combined with moist or variable weather conditions.

Airborne dust particles can also impair the operation of sensitive monitoring equipment and communication systems integral to grid management.

These risks necessitate increased inspection frequencies during and after dust events to identify and rectify emerging faults promptly.

Moreover, dust storms often coincide with gusty winds and dry air, further stressing physical components.

Integrating dust storm risk assessment into grid resilience planning can help minimize outages and maintain electricity reliability for urban centers like San Antonio.

Transportation safety is critically impacted during Saharan dust storms primarily through visibility degradation caused by dense airborne dust and haze.

Although Texas does not frequently experience the severe dust storms characteristic of desert regions, documented Saharan dust intrusions cause a substantial decrease in atmospheric transparency, producing milky skies and reduced visibility.

While no major traffic incidents have been singularly attributed to Saharan dust storms in Texas, the general hazards resemble those imposed by typical dust or smoke pollution events where low visibility correlates with increased traffic accident rates.

Mitigation practices documented in US regions affected by dust or smoke include issuing timely travel advisories, recommending reduced speeds, mandatory headlight use, and heightened driver awareness.

Transportation authorities emphasize preparation with emergency equipment and encourage postponement of non-essential travel during peak dust concentrations.

Public communication campaigns disseminate safety tips ranging from maintaining safe distances between vehicles to following updated traffic reports.

San Antonio could benefit from adopting similar protocols adjusted for Saharan dust episodes, especially when forecasts predict significant visibility impairment.

In response to these multifaceted impacts, city and regional authorities across the United States, including Texas, have developed integrated strategies to mitigate Saharan dust storms’ effects on public health and urban systems.

Regular issuance of air quality alerts and health advisories provides essential information to residents, particularly sensitive groups such as individuals with respiratory conditions, allergies, children, and the elderly.

Such advisories urge limiting outdoor activity, using N95 or equivalent particle-retaining masks, and ensuring access to medications for asthma and related conditions during periods of elevated particulate matter.

Local meteorological agencies and public health departments also integrate Saharan dust data into daily forecasts to improve preparedness levels.

Furthermore, urban infrastructure management includes scheduling increased cleaning of streets, public spaces, and essential equipment during and after dust events to prevent accumulation-related damage or functional decline.

This may involve deploying street-sweeping vehicles more frequently, cleaning air filters for public buildings, and inspecting drainage systems that could be clogged by dust deposits.

Utilities responsible for transportation and energy infrastructure maintain heightened surveillance for potential faults or reduced performance linked to dust.

Public information campaigns and educational outreach emphasize preventive hygiene measures, reinforce the importance of maintaining indoor air quality, and relay operational directives.

For San Antonio specifically, establishing a coordinated interagency response framework that incorporates Saharan dust monitoring, public communication, and infrastructure maintenance will enhance resilience.

Access to real-time satellite and ground-based air quality data should be integrated into city emergency operation centers to facilitate proactive decision-making.

Health agencies need predefined protocols for rapid dissemination of dust-related health advisories, complemented by community outreach efforts highlighting preventative behaviors.

Transportation authorities should prepare to implement temporary speed limits or road closures in cases of severely reduced visibility, coupled with public transit adjustments where appropriate.

In summary, Saharan dust storms pose operational challenges that extend beyond environmental and health impacts, influencing solar power generation, electrical grid stability, transportation safety, and urban infrastructure integrity.

Documented reductions in solar panel efficiency underscore the necessity for cleaning and maintenance plans timed with dust forecasts.

Transmission lines require increased inspections to prevent dust-induced faults, while transportation agencies must prepare for visibility-related hazards through advisories and traffic control measures.

Cities in Texas, including San Antonio, can leverage experience from regional counterparts by adopting comprehensive monitoring, public communication strategies, and targeted infrastructure maintenance to minimize disruption and protect vulnerable populations during Saharan dust episodes.

Integrating these approaches into urban planning and emergency response protocols will foster resilient cities capable of managing the complex impacts of these transcontinental dust events.

Saharan dust storms, beyond their atmospheric and health effects, pose significant challenges to urban infrastructure, energy systems, and transportation networks.

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Content: EventsPodcast
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How does dust from the Sahara Desert affect solar energy?
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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.
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How can the authorities prepare for a Saharan dust storm?

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

The cumulative deposition of fine dust particles during these trans-Atlantic events can disrupt key components of city functionality, particularly in regions like Texas—including San Antonio—that regularly experience dust plume intrusions.

Title:

Content: Hurricane Killer? Here are some things you may not know about Saharan dust

Dust from Africa moves across the Atlantic every year from late spring to early fall

It’s a common visitor in the summer months: dust from the Saharan Desert. Hazy skies and occasional allergies are common issues caused by the dust. But did you know that this layer of dust is more interesting than it appears? Here are some things you may not know about Saharan dust:

KEY TAKEAWAYS

  • Millions of tons of dust are transported across the Atlantic every year
  • Nutrient-rich Saharan dust plays a crucial role in the global ecosystem
  • Dust suppresses hurricane development

WHOLE LOTTA DUST!

Every year, from late spring to early fall, trade winds transport 180 million tons of dust from the Saharan Desert across the Atlantic Ocean. Impressively, that’s as much as 4.5 million 18-wheelers full of dust!

NATURE’S BEST FRIEND

Saharan dust is often rich in nutrients like iron and phosphorus. As the dust settles over the ocean, it fertilizes algae and plankton, allowing them to grow and flourish in an otherwise barren environment. These organisms are vital sources of food for ocean life.

Similarly, as the dust settles over land, areas like the Amazon rainforest benefit from the extra nutrients.

HURRICANE EXTINGUISHER

The African dust that moves across the Atlantic Ocean is also called the Saharan Air Layer (SAL). The SAL occurs in waves at the same time as Atlantic hurricane season, from June through November.

It’s known that the SAL limits hurricane development and strength. This is because tropical storms like hurricanes need deep, rich moisture from the surface to the top of the atmosphere to survive. Since the air carrying Saharan dust is usually dry, it can prevent storms from forming and suppress existing storms from growing and strengthening.

DUST’S IMPACT ON TEXAS

While a dense plume of dust sometimes causes minor allergy-like symptoms for some, the most noticeable impact is on Texas skies. A haze often forms on the horizon, giving an ordinarily clear, blue sky a milky hue during the day.

At sunrise and sunset, the horizon can appear brilliantly orange because, with dust in the air, sunlight has more particles to bounce off.

About the Author

Sarah Spivey is a San Antonio native who grew up watching KSAT. She has been a proud member of the KSAT Weather Authority Team since 2017. Sarah is a Clark High School and Texas A&M University graduate. She previously worked at KTEN News. When Sarah is not busy forecasting, she enjoys hanging out with her husband and cat, and playing music.

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Understanding and anticipating these impacts is critical for developing effective mitigation and response strategies tailored to the needs of urban populations and critical systems.

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Content: 03-27-2024

Sahara desert dust storms carry harmful bacteria and fungi around the globe

We often dismiss springtime allergies as reactions to local pollen. Yet, something else might cause our sniffles and sneezes: a massive dust storms that originate thousands of miles away in Africa’s Sahara region.

These gargantuan dust plumes travel the globe every summer, carrying a cocktail of pollutants and potential pathogens across continents.

Dr. Shankar Chellam, a Texas A&M University professor is leading the charge to understand the biological hitchhikers within dust storms.

He and his team are working to determine what microbes, specifically bacteria and fungi, migrate with the dust and explore their potential impact on human health.

Hidden passengers in Sahara dust

“We all get allergies and potentially other more severe health effects when we breathe in dust, and it’s not fully known as to what causes those allergies,” said Dr. Chellam.

“Some people may think it is just the sand or clay minerals in the dust. Others think it is the metals or organics in the dust, and then some think it’s the bacteria and fungi.”

The Saharan dust cloud carries vast amounts of sand particles that transport bacteria and fungi.

Dr. Chellam’s research uniquely addresses how Saharan dust storms introduce these microbes into North America.

What the dust storm from Sahara tells us

Dr. Chellam and his team analyzed samples from a Saharan dust event that reached Houston in 2018. They measured metals, bacteria, and fungi to investigate any connections.

Fascinatingly, their findings revealed strong links between the biodiversity of the microbes and specific elements, especially calcium.

While these elements occur naturally in the Sahara, they also exist in our local environments. Pinpointing the exact origin of the dust and its cargo remains a challenge that scientists continue to tackle.

Our air – Not as empty as we think

Perhaps the most startling discovery is that even seemingly lifeless clouds of dust brim with biological activity.

“A key takeaway from this study is that a lot of biodiversity is not scientifically described. It doesn’t have a name, it can’t be cultured, and because it can’t be cultured, it’s difficult to study,” explained Dr. Daniel Spalink, assistant professor at Texas A&M.

The team’s high-tech DNA analysis allowed them to create an inventory of bacteria and fungi, even if the microbes themselves weren’t active.

Surprisingly, they found traces of several pathogens known to cause disease in humans, as listed by the World Health Organization (WHO).

“It doesn’t tell us if they are going to be able to infect us and make us sick,” Spalink cautions, “But at least the DNA of several pathogenic bacteria and fungi were identified in the African dust.”

Impact of climate change on Sahara dust

Climate change is altering weather patterns globally. This transformation affects dust storm behavior, leading to variations in their frequency and intensity.

In 2020, the United States experienced the most massive Saharan dust storm ever recorded, which experts named “Godzilla.”

This event highlighted the potential for increasing occurrences of such dust invasions. “The whole dynamics of the Saharan dust coming to Houston is primarily driven by atmospheric processes,” said Dr. Sourav Das, a former student of Dr. Chellam.

Global connection of Sahara dust

Sahara dust storm travels far beyond the borders of North America, affecting global environmental systems in profound ways.

This dust, originating from the vast Sahara Desert, embarks on transcontinental journeys that influence climate, ocean biology, and ecosystems far removed from its source.

The Saharan dust plays a critical role in climate regulation. As it travels across oceans and continents, it reflects sunlight back into space, cooling the Earth’s surface.

This natural phenomenon acts as a counterbalance to the warming effects of greenhouse gases, showcasing how desert dust can influence global temperatures.

However, the dust also carries microorganisms and nutrients, such as phosphorus, that fertilize remote ecosystems, from the Amazon rainforest to the Caribbean Sea, demonstrating nature’s complex nutrient cycles.

Benefits to oceans

Ocean biology benefits from the nutrient-rich dust as well. When Saharan dust settles on ocean waters, it delivers essential minerals that stimulate the growth of phytoplankton.

These microscopic plants form the foundation of the oceanic food chain, supporting a diverse array of marine life.

The influx of nutrients from the Sahara can thus boost marine productivity, affecting fish populations and the global fishing industry.

Disadvantages

The impact of Saharan dust is not universally beneficial. In ecosystems unaccustomed to the influx of foreign particles and nutrients, the dust can disrupt local environments.

For example, excessive dust deposition can smother coral reefs, blocking sunlight and hindering photosynthesis. This can stress coral ecosystems, leading to bleaching events and loss of biodiversity.

Moreover, the health implications of Saharan dust extend across continents. The dust carries not only nutrients but also pollutants and pathogens that can affect air quality and public health.

Communities in the path of these dust plumes may experience increased respiratory issues, allergies, and diseases, highlighting the need for global health monitoring and preparedness.

Study insights

It’s crucial to gather data across multiple dust events, spanning many years, to get a clearer picture of these airborne microbial communities and how they might transform over time.

While a lot remains unknown, research like this shines a spotlight on the hidden travelers swirling in the air we breathe — travelers who might be affecting our health in surprising ways.

The next time you catch a glimpse of a dust storm rolling in, remember the globe-trotting microbes it carries!

The findings of the study are published in Environmental Science & Technology.

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One of the primary infrastructure vulnerabilities affected by Saharan dust is solar power generation, a rapidly expanding component of Texas’s energy portfolio.

How can the authorities prepare for a Saharan dust storm?

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

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 accumulation on photovoltaic (PV) panels forms a fine particulate layer that significantly impedes sunlight penetration, reducing panel efficiency.

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

Empirical studies associated with major dust events have documented solar capacity reductions ranging from 20% to as high as 80% when dust buildup remains unaddressed.

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

The magnitude of efficiency loss depends on dust concentration, particle size, humidity levels, and cleaning frequency.

Title:

Content: Dust storms from the Sahara desert spread invisible allergens around the world
Science and Technology
Copy Link https: / / en.rt.com / x903
Many blame pollen when the allergy season begins, but there are “invisible travelers ” coming from the Sahara and Sahel region, who may be the cause of this allergy.
The huge dust plumes, which originate thousands of miles away in sub-Saharan Africa, travel by dust storms around the world every summer, carrying a mix of pollutants and potential pathogens across continents.
Dr. Shankar Chilam, a professor at Texas A & M University, led the task of understanding the biological movers within dust storms.
He and his team are working to identify microbes, specifically bacteria and fungi, that migrate with dust and explore their potential impact on human health.
Dr. Chillam ’ s research uniquely addresses how desert dust storms introduced these microbes into North America.
Dr Chillam and his team analysed samples of desert dust that arrived in Houston in 2018, measuring minerals, bacteria and fungi to check for any links.
Surprisingly, their findings revealed strong links between microbial biodiversity and specific elements, especially calcium.
While these elements occur naturally in the Sahara Desert, they are also found in local North American environments.
Identifying the exact source and payload of the dust remains a challenge that scientists continue to face.
Perhaps the most surprising discovery is that even seemingly lifeless dust clouds are full of biological activity.
High-tech DNA analysis allowed the team to create a reservoir of bacteria and fungi, even if the microbes themselves were not active.
Surprisingly, they found traces of several pathogens known to cause disease in humans, according to the World Health Organization.
Dr Daniel Spalink, an assistant professor at Texas A & M University, warns: “This doesn ’ t tell us whether they will be able to infect us and make us sick, but at least the DNA of many pathogenic bacteria and fungi has been identified in African dust. ”
Climate change is changing weather patterns globally.
This shift affects the behavior of dust storms, leading to differences in their frequency and severity.
The dust storm in the Sahara travels far beyond the borders of North America, affecting global ecosystems in profound ways.
The dust, which originates from the vast Sahara desert, is released on transcontinental journeys that affect climate, ocean biology and ecosystems far from its source.
As it travels across oceans and continents, desert dust reflects sunlight back into space, cooling the Earth ’ s surface.
This natural phenomenon acts as a counterbalance to the greenhouse effects of greenhouse gases, illustrating how desert dust can affect global temperatures.
Dust also carries microorganisms and nutrients, such as phosphorus, which fertilises remote ecosystems, from the Amazon rainforest to the Caribbean Sea, demonstrating complex nutrient cycles in nature.
Ocean biology also benefits from nutrient-rich dust.
When desert dust settles on ocean waters, it provides essential minerals that stimulate the growth of phytoplankton that form the basis of the oceanic food chain and support a variety of marine life.
Thus, the flow of food from the Sahara could boost marine productivity, affecting fish populations and the global fishing industry.
But the effect of desert dust is not always beneficial, and in ecosystems unusual for the flow of foreign particles and nutrients, the dust can disrupt local environments.For example, excessive dust deposition can strangle corals, block sunlight and hinder photosynthesis.
Moreover, the health effects of desert dust extend across continents, where dust not only carries nutrients but also contaminants and pathogens that can affect air quality and public health.
Communities in the path of these dust plumes may face increased respiratory problems, allergies and diseases, highlighting the need for surveillance and global health preparedness.
Source: earth.com
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Given Texas’s increasing reliance on solar energy within its power grid, these reductions translate directly into decreased electricity production, potentially straining energy resources during peak demand periods.

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The dark heart.
A picture of the sun flips the scales, what is it?
The National Science Foundation has unveiled new high-resolution images of sunspots, showing bright spots at the heart of solar spot AR3053.
Study of sunspots
Known as "shadow points," these are balls of glowing plasma that rise and fall into the dark heart of sunspots.
Scientists believe they are turbulent convection cells that sweep heat from a depth of up to 1,000 kilometers, and the same movements can be seen in a vase of boiling water on a hot stove.
According to the Astronomical Society of Jeddah, the Daniel K. Telescope.
Enoy is a four-meter solar telescope, located on Maui Island, Hawaii, and is currently the largest solar telescope in the world, with its unique ability to image the sun in unprecedented detail.
Studying the exact structure of sunspots is a key goal for scientists, who hope it will help them predict when sunspots will glow, which is crucial in predicting space weather.
Spectacular discovery of shadow points
Scientists believe that the spectacular discovery of "shadow points" at the heart of sunspots could open new doors to understanding the activities on the sun's surface and increase our understanding of the complex physical phenomena that occur in it.
Thanks to these advanced technologies, scientists can now observe activities on the surface of the Sun in greater detail, helping them study solar storms and their impact on Earth.
Current research suggests that solar storms may disrupt wireless and satellite communications and threaten electrical networks, causing significant economic losses.
By improving space weather forecasting and recognizing complex solar activities, scientists can improve early warning systems and plan for dealing with the effects of solar storms on Earth.
Thus, studying the dark core of sunspots and shadow points can contribute to protecting the communications and electricity infrastructure and reducing the negative impacts of solar storms on our daily lives.

Proactive monitoring of dust deposition and implementation of cleaning schedules following dust events are therefore essential for maintaining stable power generation.

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Content: Dust storms.
sources and danger.
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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.
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How can the authorities prepare for a Saharan dust storm?

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

Utility operators must incorporate atmospheric dust forecasts into operational planning to schedule preventative maintenance and minimize downtime.

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Content: The United Nations reports that the amount of sand and dust in the global air will increase in 2022.
The increase was attributed to increased emissions in several regions, including central and western Africa, the Arabian Peninsula, the Iranian plateau and northwestern China.
The United Nations World Meteorological Organization (WMO) has called for more research on how climate change is exacerbating dust storm hotspots.
According to the World Meteorological Organization ’ s Airborne Sand and Dust Bulletin, dust storms are caused by human activities such as rising temperatures, drought, increased evaporation and poor land management.
These activities reduce soil moisture and create favorable conditions for the formation of dust storms.
The annual report of the World Meteorological Organization examines the incidence and hazards of dust storms and their impact on society.
According to the report, the average annual concentration of dust on the global dust surface in 2022 is slightly higher than in 2021.
Last year the figure was 13.8 micrograms per cubic meter, compared to 13.5 micrograms per cubic meter in 2021.
The report highlights that about 200 billion tons of dust enters the atmosphere each year, affecting air quality and darkening the skies over thousands of kilometers of outlying areas.
These dust storms have significant impacts on the economy, ecosystems, weather and climate.
Although some dust is a natural phenomenon, a large part of it is caused by poor water and land management.
Notably, the bulletin details three major events in 2022. In 3,500 months, unusual dust storms occurred over Spain and Portugal in North Africa, with peak concentrations exceeding 50 micrograms per cubic meter per hour, well above the EU daily limit.
In October, the Middle East and the eastern United States experienced severe dust storms, affecting visibility and farmland.
World Meteorological Organization President Petrie Taras highlighted the adverse effects of dust storms on health, transport and agriculture, and stressed the need for further research into the relationship between dust storms and climate change, which is relatively unexplored.
The World Meteorological Organization has called for the global implementation of early warning systems for weather hazards, combining sandstorm forecasting skills and early warning services to mitigate the effects of worsening climate change.
Source:
– United Nations World Meteorological Organization (WMO)
– WMO Air Load Dust Announcement

How can the authorities prepare for a Saharan dust storm?

Beyond solar arrays, power transmission and distribution infrastructure faces challenges during Saharan dust episodes.

How can the authorities prepare for a Saharan dust storm?

Dust settling on electrical insulators and lines can foster conditions conducive to arcing, short circuits, or corrosion, especially when combined with moist or variable weather conditions.

Airborne dust particles can also impair the operation of sensitive monitoring equipment and communication systems integral to grid management.

These risks necessitate increased inspection frequencies during and after dust events to identify and rectify emerging faults promptly.

Moreover, dust storms often coincide with gusty winds and dry air, further stressing physical components.

Integrating dust storm risk assessment into grid resilience planning can help minimize outages and maintain electricity reliability for urban centers like San Antonio.

How can the authorities prepare for a Saharan dust storm?

Transportation safety is critically impacted during Saharan dust storms primarily through visibility degradation caused by dense airborne dust and haze.

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Content: Motorists are being warned of a potential threat to vehicles as weather maps indicate that a sizzling 'Saharan Plume' is approaching. The UK has so far experienced a week of wet and windy conditions, but hope is in sight for those seeking sunnier spells, as the temperatures are forecast to rise in the coming days.

Despite a week plagued by unpredictable weather, characterised by muggy temperatures and frequent rainfall, next week's forecasts hint at an upturn. From Sunday May 19 to Tuesday May 21, it's predicted we'll see a return of balmy temperatures and plenty of sunshine, making way for a potentially splendid half term break.

Predictions suggest the best of the weather will shine on the Midlands, Northeast England and Yorkshire, where certain regions are anticipated to bask in highs of around 23C.

Things are set to heat up even further come May 26, with London, the southeast and the south coast potentially seeing mercury levels touch a sweltering 24C. Meanwhile, the rest of the country is expected to stay comfortably above 20C.

Netweather reports that most of England can look forward to temperatures hovering between 22C and 24C. While a bit cooler, Wales will still have some spots surpassing 20C, with Northern Ireland showing a similar trend, reports the Mirror.

Adding their input, the Met Office has issued its own forecast for the upcoming week. Their prognosis for May 19 to May 28 is characterised as "changeable", with temperatures predicted to be "generally around or just above average."

The current forecast indicates: "Temperatures will be generally around or just a little above average. With winds tending to be light, it will feel warm in sunnier areas. As we head further into the following week, confidence lowers into the following week. On balance, a continuation of the showers in the south seems most likely, with the north continuing to see the best of any drier weather. Temperatures will probably remain a little above average."

There's growing speculation about another Saharan plume potentially warming up the UK soon. While the prospect of warmer weather might be welcome, it's important to note that such conditions can also pose risks to both people and vehicles.

One significant hazard associated with a Saharan plume is the dust it carries, which recently wreaked havoc across mainland Europe last month. This natural occurrence enchanted many with its hazy skies and vibrant sunsets, yet it also escalated air pollution levels, surpassing some of the European Union's safety thresholds in various regions, including popular vacation destination Spain.

In southern and eastern parts of the country, residents experienced air quality that was four times over the healthy limit for PM10 particle contamination, posing a particular threat to individuals with respiratory conditions like asthma.

The Saharan dust also poses a risk to vehicles, as the thin layer of dust that typically settles on cars after desert weather can scratch paintwork and windows if not properly removed. To safely clean off the dust without causing damage, motorists are advised not to rub or wipe the dust away, but to thoroughly rinse their vehicle first, ideally using a pre-wash, followed by a snow foam soak and a thorough rinse.

How does Saharan dust affect immediate weather?

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

Although Texas does not frequently experience the severe dust storms characteristic of desert regions, documented Saharan dust intrusions cause a substantial decrease in atmospheric transparency, producing milky skies and reduced visibility.

How does Saharan dust affect immediate weather?

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

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

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

While no major traffic incidents have been singularly attributed to Saharan dust storms in Texas, the general hazards resemble those imposed by typical dust or smoke pollution events where low visibility correlates with increased traffic accident rates.

How does Saharan dust affect immediate weather?

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

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

Mitigation practices documented in US regions affected by dust or smoke include issuing timely travel advisories, recommending reduced speeds, mandatory headlight use, and heightened driver awareness.

How can the authorities prepare for a Saharan dust storm?

implement a warning system
public awareness & education

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

Transportation authorities emphasize preparation with emergency equipment and encourage postponement of non-essential travel during peak dust concentrations.

How does Saharan dust affect immediate weather?

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

Public communication campaigns disseminate safety tips ranging from maintaining safe distances between vehicles to following updated traffic reports.

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Content: China "science and technology China" WeChat official number 3 news, "Henan weather forecast map all black" recently caused a hot discussion on the Internet, even the mainland's central weather station Weibo are directly called "outrageous", many people said that they have never seen such a weather forecast.
In weather, snow, rain, rain + snow are all precipitation processes.
In precipitation charts, different color scales are usually used to express different precipitation conditions.
For example, the color of the expression of snow usually adopts a gray color scale, and the amount of snow is usually gray when the amount of snow is less than 5 mm, and the amount of snow (refers to the amount of precipitation after the snow has melted) the larger the color, the darker the color.
From the forecast point of view, most areas of Henan in the rain and snow in the process of the total snowfall of more than 10 mm, of which parts of Henan can reach 20 mm or even 30 mm or more, no wonder a dark.
It is important to know that 30 mm refers to the amount of precipitation, that is, the depth of water measured after the meteorological observation station melts the falling snow into water, and not the "snow depth" accumulated after the fall of the intuitive snow.
Under normal circumstances, the depth of snow is 8 to 10 times the amount of snow. The amount of snow that is 30 mm may actually correspond to the depth of snow that is close to 30 cm.
It will have a significant impact on traffic and daily life.
This forecast of 30 mm precipitation does not refer to the total precipitation in 24 hours, but the total amount of six days from January 31 to February 5, averaging about 5 mm per day, and then corresponding to the snow depth is about equal to the degree of moderate snow to heavy snow.
For Henan, this snowfall is the largest on the 31st and February 3-4.
In addition, many parts of the mainland will also be affected by this large area of rain and snow (especially freezing rain) weather, the Central Weather Station also analyzed that this is the most complex spring weather conditions since 2008, which requires high attention and prevention, but there is no need to exaggerate the situation and panic.
It is important to note that the weather is more harmful than snow - freezing rain.
In addition to the snow in the north and the rain in the south, there is a special and dangerous weather phenomenon to watch out for – freezing rain.
Under normal circumstances, the temperature of the atmosphere drops as the altitude increases.
However, when the cold and warm air meets, the cold air with a lower temperature and a higher density is easy to sink close to the ground, and the warm and humid flow with a higher temperature and a lower density is raised.
At this point, when the initial snowflake in the cloud falls, it first melts into water droplets through the warm and humid flow area, and further falls through the not too thick frozen layer, forming supercooled water droplets.
At this point, if the ground (and the air near the ground) temperature is below 0 ° C, these raindrops will quickly freeze to ice and cover the ground object, which is the phenomenon of freezing rain.
If the freezing rain is strong, a lot of freezing ice will cause the road to be extremely slippery.
If ice accumulates in power lines, power towers and other power, communication equipment, or contact network and other railway transportation equipment, it may also cause power systems, communication systems, and railway transportation systems to be affected in a large area.
On February 1, the Beijing-Shanghai high-speed railway south of Bengbu to the east of Suzhou due to contact with the ice, causing a large number of trains to slow down or even stay for a long time, causing significant impact.
In addition, freezing the ice on the surfaces of crops, buildings, etc., can also have a significant negative impact on agriculture and daily life.
The scope of the freezing rain event is also one of the largest in the past decade or so, and many areas have rarely experienced freezing rain before.
Compared to heavy snowfall, frozen rain areas face a greater threat and need more attention and prevention.
For areas affected by heavy snowfall and freezing rain, the local area needs to pay high attention to the impact on road traffic, communications, power systems, agriculture, and other aspects, and make timely plans and countermeasures, and individuals need to pay attention to cold prevention and reduce as much as possible to go out (especially the elderly and children).
If you go out, whether driving or walking, you need to pay attention to anti-skid.
If necessary, you can also prepare some emergency supplies.
In addition, it is the peak of the Spring Festival in mainland China.
Combined with the forecast results of the central weather station, by February 5, people who pass through heavy snowfall and freezing rain areas, especially important hubs such as Wuhan, Hefei, and Zhengzhou, need to pay close attention to the weather, road traffic, train status and other information, and do a good job of coping measures.
From February 6 to 8, the snowfall and freezing rain in western Hubei and Hunan will continue, and more attention is needed to travel to these areas.
# Henan Weather Forecast Map # All Black # Central Weather Station # Spectrum # Precipitation Map

How can the authorities prepare for a Saharan dust storm?

San Antonio could benefit from adopting similar protocols adjusted for Saharan dust episodes, especially when forecasts predict significant visibility impairment.

How does Saharan dust affect immediate weather?

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

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

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

In response to these multifaceted impacts, city and regional authorities across the United States, including Texas, have developed integrated strategies to mitigate Saharan dust storms’ effects on public health and urban systems.

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

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

Regular issuance of air quality alerts and health advisories provides essential information to residents, particularly sensitive groups such as individuals with respiratory conditions, allergies, children, and the elderly.

How can the authorities prepare for a Saharan dust storm?

implement a warning system
public awareness & education

How does Saharan dust affect immediate weather?

Such advisories urge limiting outdoor activity, using N95 or equivalent particle-retaining masks, and ensuring access to medications for asthma and related conditions during periods of elevated particulate matter.

Title:

Content: France
Dust storms come from the Sahara Desert, and the sky turns yellow in France and Spain.
Dust storms from the Sahara Desert continue to sweep Europe on Wednesday, March 16.
In parts of Spain, the skies turned orange and people had difficulty breathing. Cleaners in France and Portugal worked overtime to remove dust from cars and buildings.
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The European Union ’ s Copernicus Atmospheric Monitoring Agency said on March 16 that it was tracking large amounts of dust that “caused air quality to decline in most parts of Spain, Portugal and France. ”
First up is Spain.
Spain ’ s air quality has been rated as “extremely unfavorable ” by the country ’ s authorities for this dust storm.
The dust storm, which began on Tuesday, has now spread to much of southern and central Spain, including Madrid and other major cities, and Seville has not been spared.
Where it rains, dust and rain mix into mud.
The Spanish government advises people to wear masks and avoid outdoor sports, especially those with respiratory diseases, and to avoid the impact of sand and dust.
Rubender-Campo, a spokesman for the Spanish Meteorological Agency, said that on Wednesday afternoon, the air dust concentration in southeastern and central Spain will reach the peak of the dust storm.
After that, the air quality will gradually improve, but some dust will still drift to Gran Canaria this weekend.
For now, the sky in Madrid is still a dirty gray yellow, and visibility has been reduced in most parts of Spain.
And on social media, there are strange photos of dust storms, including the mountains near Madrid, with red in the snow.
Spain ’ s National Weather Service said the dust particles could travel all the way to the west of the Netherlands and Germany.
However, while the dust storm caused a lot of inconvenience, it also predicts that the front-line air currents that pull the storm will bring more rain to Spain ’ s dry fields and declining reservoirs in the next few days, which is good news for farmers.
In France, the dust storm crossed the Pyrenees Mountains and passed through western France on Tuesday, causing noticeable anomalies in Bordeaux and La Rochelle before continuing northward.
The storm should continue until Thursday, the French weather agency said, as the dust was "blocked by anti-cyclones over Greece, but will gradually subside."
This phenomenon is no exception, but “is more striking because of its geographical scope and longer duration ”.

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?

Local meteorological agencies and public health departments also integrate Saharan dust data into daily forecasts to improve preparedness levels.

Title:

Content: Europe

CAMS monitors Saharan dust transport across western and central Europe

Aerosol forecasts from the Copernicus Atmosphere Monitoring Service present a big amount of Saharan mud transferring northwards throughout Europe over the following few days. CAMS continues to watch the Saharan mud transport following current forecasts that confirmed the very best values over western Europe between 15 and 17 March 2022. The CAMS forecasts additionally present degraded air high quality throughout giant components of Spain, Portugal and France associated to the Saharan mud transport.

Copernicus Atmosphere Monitoring Service (CAMS) forecasts since 11 March have been exhibiting a big plume of mud with very excessive values of aerosol optical depth (AOD) and mud concentrations travelling northwards throughout the Iberian Peninsula, France and central areas of Europe between 15 and 17 March. The trajectory of this mud plume has resulted in very excessive predicted floor concentrations of PM10 as much as 250 micrograms per cubic metre, though European Environment Agency measurements have been exhibiting values in extra of this at many websites throughout Spain on 15 March. This is larger than the EU beneficial 24-hour imply threshold of fifty micrograms per cubic centimetre.

CAMS tracks all levels of mud transport from the Sahara Desert yearly and has been monitoring the annual mud transport, from completely different supply areas throughout the desert, for the reason that starting of the 12 months. CAMS forecasts are offered at each the European and global scale, and function a instrument to assist residents, companies, and policymakers make knowledgeable selections on a steady foundation with 24/7 air high quality forecast information. Air high quality is recognised as being very important to human well being as excessive concentrations of mud can have well being impacts on the respiratory programs of all individuals within the affected areas and add to particulate matter air air pollution from native sources. Senior Scientist, Mark Parrington, on the ECMWF Copernicus Atmosphere Monitoring Service feedback: “In CAMS we use satellite and in situ observations in our air quality forecasts to be able to provide a continual and reliable source of information for monitoring air pollution events such as this. Long-range transport events such as this occur most years and the impacts of the current event is quite striking. While the dust will affect air quality in parts of southwest Europe, the larger scale impacts will be hazy skies or some surface deposition.” You can discover extra data on the CAMS monitoring of this 12 months’s Saharan mud season right here: https://atmosphere.copernicus.eu/saharan-dust-heads-north-cams-tracks-its-progress-nfAdditional air high quality information will be discovered within the Atmospheric Data Store (ADS):https://ads.atmosphere.copernicus.eu/cdsapp#!/dataset/cams-global-atmospheric-composition-forecasts?tab=overviewandhttps://ads.atmosphere.copernicus.eu/cdsapp#!/dataset/cams-europe-air-quality-forecasts?tab=overview

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Furthermore, urban infrastructure management includes scheduling increased cleaning of streets, public spaces, and essential equipment during and after dust events to prevent accumulation-related damage or functional decline.

This may involve deploying street-sweeping vehicles more frequently, cleaning air filters for public buildings, and inspecting drainage systems that could be clogged by dust deposits.

How does Saharan dust affect immediate weather?

Utilities responsible for transportation and energy infrastructure maintain heightened surveillance for potential faults or reduced performance linked to dust.

How can the authorities prepare for a Saharan dust storm?

Public information campaigns and educational outreach emphasize preventive hygiene measures, reinforce the importance of maintaining indoor air quality, and relay operational directives.

How can the authorities prepare for a Saharan dust storm?

For San Antonio specifically, establishing a coordinated interagency response framework that incorporates Saharan dust monitoring, public communication, and infrastructure maintenance will enhance resilience.

Title:

Content: Health · Life
The cold is coming, how can we prevent it?
November 06, 2023 08: 15 Source: Guangming Daily
On November 5, the Central Meteorological Station "four early warning" issued - at the same time issued a blizzard orange warning, cold wave blue warning, gale blue warning, strong convective weather blue warning, is expected to be affected by strong cold air in the next three days, most of China will have cooling rain and snow weather, the weather situation is complex, many types of weather are greatly affected.
"This round of strong cold air process has a large impact range, strong intensity, complex rain and snow phase, accompanied by strong convection, snowfall has extreme."
The intensity of snow in some areas may exceed the historical peak in the same period.
The Central Meteorological Station forecast that the cold air will affect the northwest region and the central and eastern parts of China, and the temperature will generally drop by 6 to 10 degrees Celsius.
In particular, the temperature will reach 12 to 14 degrees Celsius in the central and eastern parts of Inner Mongolia, the central and southern parts of northeast China and some parts of the Jianghuai region.
With the cold air, the central and eastern parts of Inner Mongolia and the northeastern part of the country will experience more obvious rain and snow, with the main precipitation periods concentrated on the night of the 5th to 6th.
Major snowstorms are expected in eastern Inner Mongolia, Jilin, western Liaoning and Heilongjiang provinces, and in southeastern Inner Mongolia and Heilongjiang provinces.
As you can see, this round of weather has distinct characteristics.
The cold air will affect the northwest and central and eastern parts of China.
In addition, strong wind cooling intensity, the north of the Yangtze River basin generally reached more than 5 degrees.
At the same time, the rain and snow phase is more complicated.
Fang Chong said that this round of weather process is not only rain and snow, but also sleet and freezing rain.
Freezing rain may occur in central and northern Jilin and central and eastern Heilongjiang provinces, and in Harbin, Jixi and Mudanjiang provinces from the early morning to the afternoon.
Compared with the freezing rain in northeast China, thunderstorms, strong winds and short-term heavy rainfall will occur in Jiangnan and other parts of the country.
It is worth noting that the snowfall brought by the cold air has a strong extreme intensity. "It is expected that the intensity of the whole snowfall in the course of this weather will reach the magnitude of super blizzard, and the snowfall in the northeast and central and eastern Inner Mongolia may reach 10 mm to 30 mm, and local areas will reach more than 40 mm, which is close to or may break the historical peak."
Agriculture, animal husbandry, transportation and other industries must do preventive work
Fang Chong pointed out that this round of cold air process will have different degrees of impact on agricultural and animal husbandry production, transportation, energy supply and other aspects, beware of the "wind blowing snow", "snow storm" and "frozen rain" and other weather effects.
In agriculture, the greenhouse will be greatly affected, and large snowfall and windy weather will easily lead to the collapse of the greenhouse, damage to the greenhouse film and other conditions, resulting in losses.
To this end, meteorologists suggested that the greenhouse windproof and reinforcement work should be done in advance, and measures such as adding windproof ropes and reinforcing scaffolding should be taken in time.
In transportation, rain, snow and cold waves can easily cause reduced visibility, slippery roads, icy roads or snow, snow resistance, resulting in traffic congestion and accidents.
Meteorological experts suggest that the work of snow and ice removal should be done in a timely manner, and the elderly, children and people with weak physique should be minimized in the snowfall period.
At the same time, the sea wind is large, and shipping and operational fishing vessels need to pay attention to safety.
In terms of energy supply, freezing rain and wet snow will cause snow or weak ice on power or communication lines.
It is recommended to strengthen the inspection, maintenance and reinforcement of power and communication lines and facilities.
In addition, the temperature dropped significantly during the period of rain, snow and cold, urban and rural residents' demand for electricity, heating and other energy will increase, and the demand for energy allocation and supply such as coal, electricity, oil and gas in the affected areas will also be further improved.
In view of the impact of the cold air process, all localities have strengthened forecasting and early warning and refined services to prevent and respond to the risk of meteorological disasters.
For example, Inner Mongolia encrypted weather consultation, rolling production of "short-term regional weather forecast", "medium-term daily weather forecast" and "cold wave blue early warning information" and other information, and issued pastoral weather forecast to remind pastoral areas to do a good job in preventing and keeping livestock warm.
Jilin made emergency preparations in the high-speed service area to prevent congestion in the service area caused by "wind blowing snow", and set up special personnel guard at the important intersection of extreme steep slopes of key road sections and provincial trunk lines.
(This newspaper Beijing, November 5, our reporter Chen Haibo)
(Editor: Hao Shuai, Yang Di)

Access to real-time satellite and ground-based air quality data should be integrated into city emergency operation centers to facilitate proactive decision-making.

Health agencies need predefined protocols for rapid dissemination of dust-related health advisories, complemented by community outreach efforts highlighting preventative behaviors.

How can the authorities prepare for a Saharan dust storm?

implement a warning system
public awareness & education

Transportation authorities should prepare to implement temporary speed limits or road closures in cases of severely reduced visibility, coupled with public transit adjustments where appropriate.

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

In summary, Saharan dust storms pose operational challenges that extend beyond environmental and health impacts, influencing solar power generation, electrical grid stability, transportation safety, and urban infrastructure integrity.

How can the authorities prepare for a Saharan dust storm?

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

Documented reductions in solar panel efficiency underscore the necessity for cleaning and maintenance plans timed with dust forecasts.

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

Transmission lines require increased inspections to prevent dust-induced faults, while transportation agencies must prepare for visibility-related hazards through advisories and traffic control measures.

Cities in Texas, including San Antonio, can leverage experience from regional counterparts by adopting comprehensive monitoring, public communication strategies, and targeted infrastructure maintenance to minimize disruption and protect vulnerable populations during Saharan dust episodes.

How can the authorities prepare for a Saharan dust storm?

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

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

Integrating these approaches into urban planning and emergency response protocols will foster resilient cities capable of managing the complex impacts of these transcontinental dust events.