A plume of Saharan dust is on its way to Florida, and it’s about to make its mark on skies across the Sunshine State —including here in the Tampa Bay area. These recurring summer events, known as Saharan Air Layers (SAL), develop when strong winds over the Sahara Desert in Africa lift fine dust into the atmosphere. That dust then rides the trade winds more than 5,000 miles across the Atlantic —often arriving in Florida between late May and early August. What is the Saharan Air Layer? The SAL is a large mass of very dry, dusty air that forms over the Sahara Desert. It typically moves off the African coast every few days in the summer months and stretches 1 to 2.5 miles thick in the atmosphere. It usually starts about a mile above the Earth’s surface and can reach elevations up to 15,000 feet. This air mass can travel all the way across the Atlantic and often ends up over the southeastern U.S., including Florida and the Gulf Coast. What to expect: As the dust arrives, you may notice: Hazy skies and reduced visibility Brilliant orange and pink sunrises and sunsets Lower air quality, which can be a concern for those with asthma or respiratory issues While the dust might look dramatic, it’s not all bad. These particles are rich in minerals like iron, which help fertilize ocean life— especially around the Florida Keys. But scientists are also studying whether the dust could carry bacteria or fungi, which might have effects on people, plants or ecosystems. Impact on weather and hurricanes Here’s a surprising twist: Saharan dust can actually help limit hurricane activity. The SAL brings: Dry air, which chokes off the moisture storms need to grow Strong upper-level winds, which can disrupt developing systems Dust particles that reflect sunlight and slightly cool ocean waters How long will it stick around? Saharan dust outbreaks are most common in early to mid-summer. By August and September, tropical moisture and increased rainfall usually wash the dust out of the atmosphere, and the trade winds that carry it begin to weaken. So keep an eye on the skies this week — you might see nature painting with a dusty brush.