Trade winds off the coast of Africa are blowing dust from the Sahara Desert across the Atlantic Ocean and into the United States. High pressure in the Atlantic Ocean provides easterly winds from Africa toward North America. This Saharan dust leads to a hazy, milky sky and can cause the sun to appear orange or red at sunset. Health department officials say this dust also leads to lower air quality, and can cause breathing issues for those in sensitive groups. There are typically several waves of dust that make their way across the Atlantic Ocean each year, particularly in the summer months.

Source: The North Africa Journal July 31, 2024 16:36 UTC