Mérida, Yucatán — A dense cloud of Saharan dust will linger over the Yucatan Peninsula for much of this week, the National Meteorological Service (SMN) confirmed Sunday. The phenomenon began moving into the region Saturday night and is expected to persist until July 18.
The Saharan Air Layer (SAL) will advance over Yucatán, Campeche, and Quintana Roo before spreading toward Gulf Coast states, according to the SMN, which based its advisory on NASA satellite imagery.
Over the coming days, residents can expect hazy sunrises and sunsets with intense red, orange, lilac, and purple hues — one of the most visible effects of the dust particles suspended in the atmosphere.
In addition to altering the sky’s appearance, the Saharan dust may partially reduce rainfall, as dry air masses limit cloud development when particle concentrations are high. However, this does not signal an end to precipitation or alter the ongoing Atlantic hurricane season.
Saharan dust is an annual phenomenon occurring between June and September, when massive amounts of sand and fine particles are carried from North Africa by trade winds, traveling thousands of kilometers across the Atlantic Ocean to the Caribbean and the Yucatan Peninsula.
Although the particles typically remain in the upper atmosphere, authorities recommend that people with allergies or respiratory conditions take precautions, especially during periods of higher dust concentration or gusty winds.
The SMN anticipates that this will not be the only Saharan dust cloud to affect the region this season, and similar episodes may occur in the coming weeks.
