A large Saharan dust plume, spanning nearly 4,000 miles across the Atlantic has reached the Southeast U.S. this week. Hazy skies and colorful dawns and dusks will be possible for places from Texas to Florida.

It's not uncommon to receive large dust plumes from Africa this time of year. The dust is lofted high into the sky by a strong low- to mid-level circulation also knowns as the African Easterly Jet (AEJ), which picks up Saharan Dust and blows it across the Atlantic. While the dust reached portions of the Southeast this weekend, it has recently become more noticeable due to the arrival of higher concentrations. The AEJ tends to increase in intensity in the summer to early fall months and is also responsible for westward-moving tropical waves which tend to spawn tropical cyclones.

While most of the dust will be suspended high in the sky, it can still impact our weather and air quality. For example, small, suspended particles can affect sensitive groups with respiratory difficulties. They also cause hazy, gray skies that reduce visibility, affecting sea and air traffic.

However, not all is bad news. Dust may also make sunsets and sunrises more vibrant with red and orange colors. This is because dust scatters the larger wavelengths (i.e., red and orange light on the electromagnetic spectrum) more readily, creating stunningly colorful mornings and afternoons.

Meanwhile, Saharan dust is often associated with the Saharan Air Layer, a region of warm air aloft that usually acts to suppress shower and thunderstorm activity that may result in future hurricane development.

Sunset seekers, get the cameras ready for some colorful dawn and dusk skies through Thursday. The dust will be particularly noticeable across eastern Texas and south Florida. By the weekend, another pocket of dusty skies may reach the eastern Caribbean and subsequently Florida.