The Saharan dust storm is expected to impact San Antonio, TX, bringing hazy skies and potentially troublesome breathing conditions for those with respiratory illnesses.

The dust storm can cause a decrease in rainfall in the Americas, leading to potential droughts and water scarcity issues.

The storm can also maintain high temperatures in the affected areas, exacerbating heat-related illnesses.

Saharan dust can cause acute respiratory diseases, allergies, and skin problems, particularly in individuals with pre-existing conditions.

The dust storms can also affect coral reefs and various crops, including fruit, rice, sugar cane, and beans, leading to economic losses.

To prepare for the storm, individuals with respiratory illnesses are advised to stay indoors as much as possible and avoid outdoor activities, including vigorous exercise.

Keeping windows and doors closed can help reduce exposure to the dust, and vulnerable populations are advised to avoid outdoor activity, including vigorous exercise, during the dust storm.

The city's power grid may be affected by the storm, with potential power outages and disruptions to transportation systems.

The storm can also reduce visibility, which can lead to accidents and disruptions in the power grid's maintenance and repair operations.

Measures can be taken to prevent power outages or disruptions, such as reducing dust emissions through innovative solutions, raising environmental awareness, and organizing grazing seasons.

Implementing sustainable practices, such as planting trees and restoring degraded lands, can help reduce the frequency and severity of dust storms.

The city's traffic management systems can be adapted to accommodate reduced visibility and potential health impacts associated with Saharan dust storms.

To minimize disruptions to transportation services, the city can implement measures such as improving road infrastructure, enhancing public transportation systems, and promoting alternative modes of transportation.

The city can also provide support to vulnerable populations by implementing measures such as air quality monitoring, public health alerts, and access to medical care and respiratory treatments.

Effective communication strategies for informing the public about the health risks associated with Saharan dust storms are crucial, and may include providing information on the potential health effects and precautions that can be taken.

The city can work to reduce air pollution by implementing policies to reduce emissions from vehicles, increasing the use of clean energy, and promoting sustainable practices.

Saharan dust storms can carry harmful bacteria and fungi around the globe, which can cause health effects such as allergies and respiratory issues.

The dust storms can trigger allergy symptoms like dry cough and sneezing, especially for people with asthma or other lung conditions.

People with lung diseases, such as asthma, are particularly vulnerable to the health risks associated with the dust storm.

Wearing masks, especially particle-retaining masks, can help mitigate the effects of the dust storm on air quality and health.

The city can implement strategies to protect citizens' health by monitoring air quality, issuing health alerts, and promoting measures to reduce exposure to dust and pollutants, such as wearing masks and staying indoors during peak dust storm periods.

A plume of Sahara dust is expected to affect the Bahamas by the weekend, and may be problematic for people with allergies and respiratory issues.

The Sahara dust will gradually move across the country over the weekend, and people with allergy issues or respiratory issues are advised to be aware of the potential impact of the Sahara dust on their health.

The dust storm can trigger allergy symptoms like dry cough and sneezing, especially for people with asthma or other lung conditions.

Wearing masks, especially particle-retaining masks, can help mitigate the effects of the dust storm on air quality and health.

The Regional Center for Dust and Sandstorm Warning is working to study the source of dust west of Tabuk city, known as the 'Hismah desert', due to its geographical importance and proximity to tourist, urban, and industrial projects.

The center is exploring ways to reduce the impact of the dust storm on the region, which is a key area for development projects under Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030.

Saharan dust storms can reduce solar energy production by up to 80% due to the 'soiling' of solar panels.

Even small amounts of dust can reduce the amount of sunlight that reaches solar panels by 15%.

The soiling of solar panels can result in annual losses of billions of euros for the solar energy industry in Europe.

Researchers are working to develop dust-resistant coatings and to better understand how dust accumulates on solar panels under different weather conditions.

The Saharan dust storm is expected to impact San Antonio, TX, bringing hazy skies and potentially troublesome breathing conditions for those with respiratory illnesses.

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?

The dust storm can cause a decrease in rainfall in the Americas, leading to potential droughts and water scarcity issues.

The storm can also maintain high temperatures in the affected areas, exacerbating heat-related illnesses.

Saharan dust can cause acute respiratory diseases, allergies, and skin problems, particularly in individuals with pre-existing conditions.

Title:

Content: Havana, Cuba.- Cubans are entering the final days of July with a forecast of high temperatures, accompanied by little rain throughout the national territory.

In recent days, the heat punished the inhabitants of the Caribbean island, where through the Institute of Meteorology it was learned that in 38 of the 68 stations subordinate to the scientific entity, temperatures above 34 Celsius degrees were reported.

Meanwhile, the nightly broadcast of the National Television Newscast specified that in the eastern territory of Granma 39°C were registered on Saturday.

Behind it, the most overwhelmed towns were Colón in the western province of Matanzas with 37.2 °C; and Bainoa, in the also western province of Mayabeque, with 36.5 °C; while in the capital the thermometers marked 36 °C.

Days prior to the establishment of these temperature records for the current month, the Institute of Meteorology warned about the arrival of a cloud of dust from the Sahara on the island.

The experts explained that this phenomenon would cause a new decrease in rainfall and would maintain the feeling of great heat.

These clouds contain iron, silica, fungi, bacteria, viruses, various pathogenic mites, among other elements. They can cause acute respiratory diseases, allergies and skin problems.

Dust from the Sahara affects coral reefs, and fruit, rice, sugar cane, bean and other crops. It is caused by storms that occurred in the Sahara desert, coming out of the African continent.

It moves over the freshest and most humid marine air, and joining the flow of the trade winds, it quickly reaches the Atlantic Ocean, the Caribbean Sea, and the Gulf of Mexico.

How does Saharan dust affect immediate weather?

What are the negative health effects of Saharan dust?

The dust storms can also affect coral reefs and various crops, including fruit, rice, sugar cane, and beans, leading to economic losses.

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

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

smothers coral reefs by blocking sunlight and hindering photosynthesis

To prepare for the storm, individuals with respiratory illnesses are advised to stay indoors as much as possible and avoid outdoor activities, including vigorous exercise.

How can people protect their health during Saharan dust storms?

What can people do to prepare for dust storms?

Keeping windows and doors closed can help reduce exposure to the dust, and vulnerable populations are advised to avoid outdoor activity, including vigorous exercise, during the dust storm.

How can people protect their health during Saharan dust storms?

How does Saharan dust affect immediate weather?

What can people do to prepare for dust storms?

The city's power grid may be affected by the storm, with potential power outages and disruptions to transportation systems.

The storm can also reduce visibility, which can lead to accidents and disruptions in the power grid's maintenance and repair operations.

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.

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

Measures can be taken to prevent power outages or disruptions, such as reducing dust emissions through innovative solutions, raising environmental awareness, and organizing grazing seasons.

How can the authorities prepare for a Saharan dust storm?

Implementing sustainable practices, such as planting trees and restoring degraded lands, can help reduce the frequency and severity of dust storms.

The city's traffic management systems can be adapted to accommodate reduced visibility and potential health impacts associated with Saharan dust storms.

To minimize disruptions to transportation services, the city can implement measures such as improving road infrastructure, enhancing public transportation systems, and promoting alternative modes of transportation.

The city can also provide support to vulnerable populations by implementing measures such as air quality monitoring, public health alerts, and access to medical care and respiratory treatments.

Effective communication strategies for informing the public about the health risks associated with Saharan dust storms are crucial, and may include providing information on the potential health effects and precautions that can be taken.

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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Check us out on EarthSnap, a free app brought to you by Eric Ralls and Earth.com.

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How can the authorities prepare for a Saharan dust storm?

The city can work to reduce air pollution by implementing policies to reduce emissions from vehicles, increasing the use of clean energy, and promoting sustainable practices.

Saharan dust storms can carry harmful bacteria and fungi around the globe, which can cause health effects such as allergies and respiratory issues.

How does Saharan dust affect immediate weather?

What are the negative health effects of Saharan dust?

The dust storms can trigger allergy symptoms like dry cough and sneezing, especially for people with asthma or other lung conditions.

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?

People with lung diseases, such as asthma, are particularly vulnerable to the health risks associated with the dust storm.

How does Saharan dust affect immediate weather?

What are the negative health effects of Saharan dust?

Wearing masks, especially particle-retaining masks, can help mitigate the effects of the dust storm on air quality and health.

How can people protect their health during Saharan dust storms?

How does Saharan dust affect immediate weather?

The city can implement strategies to protect citizens' health by monitoring air quality, issuing health alerts, and promoting measures to reduce exposure to dust and pollutants, such as wearing masks and staying indoors during peak dust storm periods.

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?

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?

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?

A plume of Sahara dust is expected to affect the Bahamas by the weekend, and may be problematic for people with allergies and respiratory issues.

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?

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

The Sahara dust will gradually move across the country over the weekend, and people with allergy issues or respiratory issues are advised to be aware of the potential impact of the Sahara dust on their health.

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?

The dust storm can trigger allergy symptoms like dry cough and sneezing, especially for people with asthma or other lung conditions.

How does Saharan dust affect immediate weather?

What are the negative health effects of Saharan dust?

How can people protect their health during Saharan dust storms?

How does Saharan dust affect immediate weather?

The Regional Center for Dust and Sandstorm Warning is working to study the source of dust west of Tabuk city, known as the 'Hismah desert', due to its geographical importance and proximity to tourist, urban, and industrial projects.

Title:

Content: "Dust storms" and "geologists" discuss the benefits of dust west of Tabuk
Holds many important items and components that may be economically exploited
The Regional Center for Warning of Dust and Sand Storms held on Monday a "virtual" scientific research workshop with the Saudi Geologists Association, in order to activate the research partnership between the two sides to exchange experiences and information regarding dust and sand storms.
Juma ’ an Al Qahtani, Executive Director of the Regional Center for Dust and Sand Storm Warning, highlighted the importance of the Center ’ s roles locally and regionally and its contributions in supporting scientific research on the local and regional scale.
He noted that it is one of the Green Middle East initiatives for sustainable development and quality of life.
In the workshop, the Regional Center for Warning of Dust and Sand Storms discussed studying the source of dust west of the city of Tabuk "Hasmy Desert", as it is one of the important deserts to study for its geographical importance and the proximity of the region to tourism, urban and industrial projects, within the projects of the Kingdom's Vision 2030.
The center discussed the economic feasibility study of dust, as it carries many important elements and components that may be exploited economically to contribute to the achievement of economic renaissance, one of the objectives of the Kingdom ’ s Vision 2030.
For his part, the Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Saudi Geologists Association, Dr. Abdulaziz bin Laaboun, stressed the importance of the relationship between geology and climate and their direct link to each other in determining the phenomenon of dust and sand storms.
He attributed the importance of cooperation between the Regional Center for Warning of Dust and Sand Storms and the Society, to the complementarity of the roles of the two parties, where the Center studies the impact of dust and its sources and the development of plans and strategies to mitigate its effects on various sectors and activities.
He added that the Society is in the field of preparing geological maps to benefit the Center in the work of research related to dust.
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The center is exploring ways to reduce the impact of the dust storm on the region, which is a key area for development projects under Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030.

Saharan dust storms can reduce solar energy production by up to 80% due to the 'soiling' of solar panels.

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Content: EventsPodcast
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How does dust from the Sahara Desert affect solar energy?
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Written by Jeremy Wilks
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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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What are the negative effects of Saharan dust storm on infrastructure?

Even small amounts of dust can reduce the amount of sunlight that reaches solar panels by 15%.

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

The soiling of solar panels can result in annual losses of billions of euros for the solar energy industry in Europe.

Researchers are working to develop dust-resistant coatings and to better understand how dust accumulates on solar panels under different weather conditions.

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