The tropics are at a standstill. Saharan dust plumes moving through

This wouldn’t be a good option any other hurricane season, but if you are itching for a vacation, a good spot would be in the Caribbean. That’s unless you suffer from respiratory issues.

A deep layer of Saharan dust is traveling over the eastern Caribbean and another deep plume follows it. Saharan dust prevents tropical storm formation, which is good for vacationers. Usually, Saharan dust is more prominent during June, but this year dust has lasted through July, making it the second dustiest July on record.

The dust brings other problems like warmer temperatures and respiratory issues for those with preexisting issues. You can take us with you on your vacation and know how the Air Quality Index will be at the location you will be visiting, anywhere in the world! The dust has been reaching as far west as Texas this week.

Saharan dust brings lots of nutrients to forest and marine ecosystems, but it also brings lots of iron, which marine microorganisms, like algae, can feed off. As it grows, it can become toxic, making red tide bloom. The red tide can happen at any time of the year, but in Florida, it becomes an issue in the late summer and fall months once the microorganisms have settled and had lots to feed. This is something to watch out for, and our team of meteorologists will continue providing updates.