Saharan dust: When is it coming to Florida? What is it?

ORLANDO, Fla. — A plume of dust from Africa arrived in Central Florida on Wednesday.

Saharan dust plumes are common in the western hemisphere during the summer months.

These tiny dust particles travel for thousands of miles through what is known as the Saharan Air Layer and are clearly visible on satellite images.

PHOTOS: Saharan dust as seen in Central Florida: Sunrises, sunsets, hazy & milky skies

The dust will make sunrises and sunsets more colorful.

However, it will slightly lower the air quality and could cause increased breathing issues for sensitive groups.

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Meteorologist Brian Shields said the dust won’t affect Central Florida’s forecast for now.

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WFTV Severe Weather Center 9 Saharan dust making Central Florida's skies hazy. This picture also shows some beautiful crepuscular rays. This picture was taken by Micheal Von Hatten.

You can watch the dust arrive in real-time here.

Follow our Severe Weather team on Twitter for live updates:

• Chief meteorologist Tom Terry
• Kassandra Crimi
• George Waldenberger
• Rusty McCranie
• Brian Shields

Click here to download the WFTV weather app for live updates to your phone, and click here to stream weather coverage on the WFTV now app.

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