Saharan dust hit the Texas coast June 29, bringing the potential for hazy conditions, reduced air quality, and heightened allergies and respiratory issues.
Moderate air quality is forecast for June 30, according to the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality. Air quality was forecast as unhealthy for sensitive groups on June 29.
The Saharan Air Layer is the name for when very dry, dusty air forms over the Sahara Desert and moves over the tropical North Atlantic Ocean. Activity typically ramps up in mid-June and peaks between late June and mid-August before subsiding, according to the Atlantic Oceanographic and Meteorological Laboratory.
The phenomenon can temporarily suppress hurricane formation and intensification due to the warm, dry, strong winds. When the air is overhead stifling thunderstorms, areas can experience hot days.
The best times of day to see the dust are a few hours after sunrise and in the late afternoon as the sky appears to have a hazy white look, according to the Atlantic Oceanographic and Meteorological Laboratory. Sunsets glow orange.
High pressure will influence South Texas weather this week, according to the National Weather Service Corpus Christi forecast. Max temperatures in the 90s with heat indices of 100-108 are expected through July 1.
No rain is expected until July 2, when the NWS predicts low chances of showers or thunderstorms along the seabreeze over the Coastal Plains.
A small craft advisory was issued, remaining in effect until 7 p.m. June 29 over southern bays and nearshore waters due to strong breezes.
Olivia Garrett reports on education and community news in South Texas. Contact her at olivia.garrett@caller.com.
This article originally appeared on Corpus Christi Caller Times: Reduced air quality expected in Corpus Christi due to Saharan dust
Reporting by Olivia Garrett, Corpus Christi Caller Times / Corpus Christi Caller Times
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Olivia Garrett, Corpus Christi Caller Times | USA TODAY Network
