Saharan Dust Heads for Florida: What This Weekend’s Weather Means for You

West Palm Beach, Florida, United States - As we find ourselves in early June, West Palm Beach weather is shaping up to be rather intriguing this weekend. According to WPTV, the morning is starting off calm, with light cloud coverage that’s perfect for sipping coffee on the porch. However, locals might want to keep an umbrella handy for the afternoon as a few showers are expected to roll along the coast. It’s not predicted to be a rainout, but an inland shower near Okeechobee could make its presence known later in the evening.

Temperatures will be pushing the 90-degree mark, bringing a real feel of the triple digits by 2 p.m. With such high humidity in the air, it’s best to stay hydrated and seek refuge in the shade when possible. A Saharan dust bloom is settling over the area, creating hazy skies and coating cars with a fine layer of dust. This unusual phenomenon, typically seen later in the summer, has arrived early this year and is expected to linger through the weekend.

The Saharan Influence

A notable aspect of this weekend’s weather is the significant presence of Saharan dust in our skies. This massive plume, which has traveled over 5,000 miles, originally blanketed Puerto Rico before making its way to South Florida. As reported by Miami University, this dust, part of the Saharan Air Layer (SAL), has implications beyond mere aesthetics. It can suppress rainfall, subsequently leading to drier conditions after recent precipitation.

According to Fox Weather, the SAL is on track to affect the visibility across the Southeast, with a potential for colorful sunsets and sunrises as the dust particles interact with sunlight. For those intrigued by meteorological phenomena, this means vibrant evening skies, but also a decreased visibility during daytime hours.

It’s essential to note that if rain coincides with the dust, we could be faced with “dirty rain,” leaving an unsightly residue on surfaces across the area. Fortunately, air quality issues are not expected this week, so while it’s true that the sky may look a bit murky, it won’t pose a health hazard.

What’s Next?

So, what can we expect as we look to the weekend and beyond? While rain chances are currently low at just 20%, they’re forecasted to increase to 50% come Tuesday. The humidity combined with the Saharan dust could also lead to some uniquely muggy conditions, making it feel hotter than it actually is.

Beachgoers should exercise caution due to swells and strong rip currents from a non-tropical low along the Southeast coast. It’s a reminder that while summer fun is just around the corner, so are the forces of nature that keep us on our toes!