Heavy Rains Move Out as Dry Weather Ushers In Saharan Dust in Miami Area

MIAMI - South Florida awoke Wednesday morning to only a few showers following a stormy Tuesday. The Saharan dust is moving in and replacing the heavy rains, decreasing the likelihood of rain in the area.

Additionally, hazy skies and poorer air quality are being caused by the Saharan dust. The day began hot and muggy with a low 80s temperature. When you take into account the high humidity, the afternoon highs will only reach the low 90s, but it will feel like the 100s.

Lows on Wednesday night will be in the 80s and will be warm and muggy.

On Thursday, there may be a few stray showers, but overall, it is forecasted to be the driest day of the week. Thursday's highs will be in the low 90s and it will be muggy, hot, and humid. In the afternoon, it will feel like a triple-digit temperature.

As the Saharan dust lifts northward on Friday and Saturday, the likelihood of rain will slightly increase. Sporadic storms could begin the weekend. As another Saharan dust plume takes over on Sunday, the chance of rain drops once more, CBS News reports.

Air Quality Watch

Thursday, July 28 Air Quality Forecast for Miami is "Moderate," according to The Weather Channel.

A rather small group of people who are atypically sensitive to air pollution may have a moderate health concerns from some pollutants, even though the air quality is acceptable overall.

The Primary Pollutant is PM2.5, which is described by AccuWeather as Fine Particulate Matter. These are breathable pollutants that can enter the bloodstream and lungs and cause serious health problems because their diameter is less than 2.5 micrometers. The heart and lungs are the organs most severely affected. Exposure can worsen asthma, cause breathing problems or coughing, as well as lead to the emergence of chronic respiratory conditions.

PM10 is also detected, which is Particulate Matter that refers to pollutant particles smaller than 10 micrometers in diameter that can be inhaled. Particles bigger than 2.5 micrometers can accumulate in airways and cause health problems. Asthma symptoms such as flare-ups can be brought on by exposure, along with irritation of the eyes, throat, and lungs. More harmful health effects may be experienced with frequent and excessive exposure.

AccuWeather forecast data for Miami predicts a consistent air quality until Saturday, July 30.

Saharan Dust

Saharan dust is a combination of dust and sand from the Sahara, a sizable desert region that occupies the majority of North Africa. Similar to other regions of the world, wind can blow ferociously over deserts, sending sand and dust flying high into the air.

Strong winds can carry clouds of dust thousands of miles away from the source, up to very high altitudes, after being lifted off the ground.

Rain washes the dust from the sky, allowing it to fall to the ground from where it is currently located. Dust is gathered by raindrops as they travel downward. The raindrops then leave a layer of dust behind when they touch something and eventually evaporate.