Saharan dust blows across East Texas, poses respiratory risk for some
A layer of dryer air is causing respiratory issues for certain individuals
TYLER, Texas (KLTV) - There may not be any deserts in East Texas, but that doesn’t mean the region is immune to their influence.
One of the deserts affecting people is the Sahara, which is sending dust to the United States.
KLTV Meteorologist Andrew Tate said Saharan dust reaches our counties when “a layer of dryer air transports dust” from the Sahara Desert across the Atlantic Ocean.
According to the Baylor College of Medicine, Saharan dust can cause respiratory issues. They recommend staying indoors as much as possible while the dust is in the air or wearing a mask outside, running a HEPA filter indoors, and seeking professional medical advice at the first sign of difficultly breathing.
“Saharan dust can be monitored through satellite,” said National Weather Service Shreveport Meteorologist Ryan Knapp. “There is also some modeling that allows for us to see dust. It’s through optical depth,” Knapp added.
“For a hurricane to form in the Atlantic, you need moisture, and if you’ve got this dry air full of the Saharan Dust, it means that it can limit tropical development,” Tate said, adding the dust often moves into Texas during the summer months.
More dust is expected once Beryl exits East Texas next week.
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