As Saharan dust plumes move across Florida and the Gulf Coast, dangerous heat continues to be a concern in the Sunshine State. Heat indexes as high as 110 are forecast in some areas on Thursday according to the National Weather Service. Heat advisories were issued for 31 of the state’s 67 counties while these massive clouds of dust continue to expand across Florida into Gulf Coast states through the weekend. In good news, this airborne dust contains about 50 percent less moisture than the typical tropical atmosphere and can increase vertical wind shear disrupting the formation of tropical storms. Tropical cyclone activity isn’t expected in the Atlantic or Caribbean over the next seven days according to the National Hurricane Center. Though it’s keeping storms in check, the lingering Saharan dust particles absorb sunlight and trap the heat causing dangerous conditions across multiple regions. This level of heat will affect anyone without adequate cooling or hydration as temperatures remain elevated through next week and weekend.
Saharan Dust Brings Dangerous Heat Across Florida This Week
