Central Texas Braces for Rising Temperatures as Saharan Dust Arrives

Central Texas residents should prepare for hazy skies and hotter days ahead as a Saharan dust plume travels across the Atlantic and begins impacting the area this weekend.

The massive plume, visible from satellite images off Africa’s coast as of Thursday, is being propelled by a powerful high-pressure system and a low-pressure system combining to create a tight pressure gradient. This atmospheric setup enables continental trade winds to transport the fine Saharan dust thousands of miles across the ocean, ultimately reaching the Gulf of Mexico and Texas.

By Monday, the Saharan dust is expected to reach Central Texas, including Austin, and will likely linger through at least Tuesday. Forecast models predict dust levels will remain low through Friday and Saturday, but conditions will shift by Sunday as dust concentrations climb to “medium” levels. By Monday and Tuesday, the Saharan Dust Forecast indicates concentrations will rise to “high,” resulting in more noticeable hazy skies.

The effects of the dust won’t just be visual. Saharan dust events often coincide with rising temperatures, and this pattern appears to be repeating. Meteorologists expect a steady warming trend over the next several days, with highs climbing from the low-90s over the weekend to a scorching 98 degrees by Monday.

While Saharan dust can lead to stunning sunsets, it can also pose health risks. Those with respiratory issues or allergies should limit time outdoors when dust levels are elevated. The fine particles in the air can irritate lungs and exacerbate breathing problems.

Central Texans are advised to monitor local air quality updates and stay hydrated as temperatures continue to rise. If you’re sensitive to air quality changes, consider wearing a mask when outside during peak dust days or staying indoors to avoid exposure.