Miami, Florida – Skies across South Florida turned hazy Thursday as a dense plume of Saharan Dust drifted in from the Atlantic, bringing reduced air quality and limited rain chances heading into the weekend.
According to NASA’s Global Modeling and Assimilation Office (GMAO), the current Dust Aerosol Optical Thickness model shows the dust layer persisting over the region through at least Sunday, driven by brisk upper-level easterly winds that transport dust from West Africa across the Atlantic. The National Weather Service Miami office confirmed the dust arrival earlier today.
The widespread haze is already affecting visibility along I-95 and the Turnpike, and may worsen during sunrise and sunset hours. Air quality levels have dropped into the “moderate” category, which could pose health risks for sensitive groups such as children, seniors, and those with respiratory conditions.
Residents are encouraged to limit prolonged outdoor activity, run indoor air filters if available, and stay hydrated in the drier air. While these dust events suppress tropical activity and rainfall, they can also create brilliant sunrises and sunsets due to light scattering.
The dust layer is expected to linger until late Sunday, with another plume potentially arriving next week. Air quality statements remain in effect.
