Florida Expects Red Skies as Massive 'Godzilla' Dust Storm Sweeps Across Atlantic Ocean

Radiant sunsets are in the forecast for parts of Florida thanks in part to a pattern of weather presently proceeding across another continent.

Godzilla Dust Cloud

Dust kicked up across the Sahara Desert and conveyed by trade winds in recent weeks has been pouring off the coast of Africa and floating clear across the Atlantic Ocean toward Florida and the Caribbean.

The dusty air is caused by a weather pattern called the African easterly jet, which comprises strong low to middle-level winds in the atmosphere over central Africa. AccuWeather Hurricane Expert Dan Kottlowski said: "There are so many thunderstorms across central and southwest Africa, showing a very active east African jet which should bring more powerful tropical waves into the Atlantic during the next couple of weeks."

He added: These features will bring more dust, but at this point, we can't tell whether there will be any mega dust outbreaks like we witnessed last year. We will just have to wait and watch." While the present dust plume over the Atlantic isn't almost as great as the record cloud that was captured on satellite last June, which was given a nickname - the "Godzilla dust cloud," it will still make its existence felt.

Dust Season

Kottlowski said there will be intense sunsets in the tropics this time of the year through the remaining part of June and into early August during the height of the 'dust season,' adding that it seems like a usual dust pattern for mid-June. It could also decrease air quality in some regions, he added.

The Associated Press, citing the National Weather Service in Miami, made a report that some dust could be in the South Florida region on Friday or Saturday. Health experts say that the dust could trouble those with allergies and may even cause symptoms similar to COVID-19. As of Wednesday afternoon of June 16, parts of southeastern Florida were already experiencing poor air quality.

Across much of the state, quality of air ranged from fair to excellent. Satellite video created by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and shared by AFP showed the dust cloud sweeping over the ocean from June 12-14. The dust can change normally blue skies into a hazy, milky color.

Sunrises Vs. Sunsets

"Sunrises and sunsets take on more red and yellowish hues since the low-angle sunlight passes through more of the atmosphere before it gets to your eyes. A heavy load of dust in the atmosphere can increase this effect, bringing about longer-lasting, duskier colors that cause vivid sunrises and sunsets," according to NOAA.

The hazy skies won't only intensify sunsets, but also will aid in limiting tropical development across normal breeding regions over the Caribbean and Atlantic. Forecasters say the dust can subdue the number of showers and thunderstorms that are needed for tropical development in these areas.

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