Can you Believe Parts of Africa Will Soon be in Texas?

Do you know how smoke from Canada has been a problem in NYC and Chicago recently?

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Well, something sort of similar happens when dust and sand from the Sahara Desert get stirred up and eventually find their way…to Texas?

It’s true. And, it’s not even all that unusual.

Every year there’s at least a chance that atmospheric conditions in Texas will be affected by dust and sand blown over the Atlantic Ocean from Africa.

Meteorologists and other scientists monitor the plumes of Saharan dust and, if the conditions are just right, some of that dust can end up in Texas.

What does the Saharan dust effect mean for Texans?

One result can be that the air can be noticeably hazier. An effect that’s not quite as visible: diminished air quality. People with chronic lung conditions might want to consider staying indoors as much as possible for the next few days.

It’s not all bad news, though. Dust particulates from the Sahara can lower moisture over the tropics and the Gulf of Mexico, actually lessening the chance of tropical storms.

But, Saharan dust from halfway around the world can actually make Texan allergies worse than normal.

Some Texas allergists say they notice an uptick in patients when the African dust arrives.

On the OTHER other hand…the Saharan Dust Effect can result in some absolutely gorgeous sunrises and sunsets in the Lone Star, such as those famous purple skies that Texas is famous for.