Saharan dust headed toward the Jacksonville area: Here’s what to expect

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Saharan dust is marching across the Atlantic Ocean.

The dust plume should arrive this weekend.

>>> STREAM ACTION NEWS JAX LIVE <<<

The Action News Jax First Alert Weather Team says this is how Saharan dust impacts the tropics:

• Generally limits tropical storms and hurricanes
• The dry air can weaken a storm
• Strong winds can increase vertical wind shear
• Hazy skies create nice sunrises and sunsets

Buresh Blog: Lightning Awareness... Saharan Dust Cloud... 100 degrees in the Arctic Circle

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

[DOWNLOAD: Free Action News Jax app for alerts as news breaks]

It should hang around through early next week.

This is our first big batch of dust this year, and we will get more plumes of dust as we enter the summer months.

[SIGN UP: Action News Jax Daily Headlines Newsletter]

Click here to download the free Action News Jax news and weather apps, click here to download the Action News Jax Now app for your smart TV and click here to stream Action News Jax live.

2022 Atlantic hurricane season: Download the Action News Jax First Alert Weather Hurricane Guide