A massive dust cloud from the Sahara will engulf parts of the US as it travels 5,000 miles across the Atlantic Ocean

Scientists have revealed that a large amount of dust from the Sahara Desert will drift 5,000 miles across the Atlantic Ocean towards the US this week.

The huge plume was formed by strong winds that swept tiny sand and mineral particles from the Sahara’s surface – and the current wave is the largest of the season.

Scientists predict that Saharan dust will reach the coast of South Florida and the Gulf of Mexico this weekend, extending as far south as Texas.

Floridians with asthma and other upper respiratory problems should be wary of going outside or engaging in physical activity because the dust storm could cause coughing, wheezing and shortness of breath, experts warn.

Scientists predict the dust will reach the coast of South Florida and the Gulf of Mexico this weekend and spread into southern Texas.

The massive clouds are forecast to move across the ocean before reaching Florida and the Gulf of Mexico, as well as parts of Texas, between Thursday and Sunday.

According to the National Hurricane Center, active tropical waves are coming off the African coast, but the dust particles absorb sunlight and act as air stabilizers to reduce tropical waves, preventing cyclones from forming.

“Right now, this is all good news. We like to think of it in tropical terms, especially because it’s probably going to be a busy season,” said meteorologist Jessica Dobson. Vos35.

This year is expected to be one of the most active on record, with 24 named storms, 11 of which will become hurricanes.

The Saharan dust travels 5,000 miles from the Sahara to the Florida coast each year. This dust storm is expected to be the largest yet this season

The Saharan dust, also called the Saharan Air Layer (SAL), forms each spring over the Sahara Desert, extending one to five miles above the surface and reaching thousands of miles in length.

Outbreaks typically occur every three to five days, peaking in mid-June to mid-August. Colorful and hazy sunsets, characterized by their yellow and red hues, can often be seen on the coast of Florida.

As the dust travels toward the U.S., a layer of dry air forms thousands of feet above sea level. This brings drier air and warmer conditions, suppressing tropical developments such as hurricanes by removing the moisture they need to form.

They also produce strong winds in the upper reaches of the SAL, reaching speeds of up to 60 mph (96 km/h) and ripping away the cloud tops of tropical hurricanes.

The Sahara dust season begins in spring and reaches its peak between mid-June and mid-August each year

The Sahara dust will hit the Florida coast and travel across the Gulf of Mexico before reaching the southern region of Texas

Florida’s ecosystem will also benefit from SAL, which acts as a natural fertilizer because it is rich in iron and helps support ocean phytoplankton and other marine life.

The phytoplankton feed on the iron and nutrients in the dust, which aids in the growth and reproduction of the phytoplankton. This then feeds the zooplankton, a food source for small fish, which in turn feed larger fish.

However, the dust particles from the SAL also cause more allergies and are harmful to people with asthma and respiratory problems.

Doctors advise people to protect themselves by keeping windows and doors closed, wearing a mask when going outside and carrying the prescribed inhaler or other medications with them at all times.

If you experience symptoms such as coughing, wheezing, chest pain or shortness of breath, seek medical attention immediately.