Saharan Dust coming to Central Florida: What is it? What does it do?

ORLANDO, Fla. — Saharan Dust plumes are common during this time of the year. These tiny dust particles travel for thousands of miles through what is known as the Saharan Air Layer (SAL).

Moisture is not absorbed by the particles, but the heat is trapped in the levels where the moisture is, preventing the air from rising, inhibiting storm development. The descending hot particles tend to bring very hot temperatures when present.

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PHOTOS: Saharan dust seen from Central Florida and parts of the Caribbean, gorgeous sunrises and sunsets!

There is still lots of research being done about how exactly Saharan Dust acts around a tropical cyclone. Usually big, strong storms can fight off the dust, but weaker storms, or if they are not well defined, struggle to survive if dust particles are present.

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