Saharan Dust brings tranquility to the tropics, warns Cuban meteorologist.

The meteorologist warned that, following the passage of the Sahara dust, an intense hurricane season is forecasted to begin in the second half of August and throughout September.

Sin actividad ciclónica el Caribe © NOAA
The Caribbean without any cyclonic activityPhoto © NOAA

The Sahara dust is playing a crucial role in keeping the tropics calm over the next few days, as recently warned by a Cuban meteorologist.

This phenomenon, which occurs more frequently from the end of June to mid-August, involves the arrival of waves of Saharan dust that cross the Atlantic and even reach the Gulf of Mexico, indicated the specialist Raydel Ruisánchez on his Facebook account.

Facebook screenshot / Raydel Ruisánchez

During this period, tropical disturbances are affected by this layer of dry Saharan air, with associated strong winds that significantly limit the formation of tropical cyclones, the meteorologist pointed out.

He emphasized that, currently, there is only one disturbance near the east coast of the United States, with very low chances of developing into a tropical cyclone.

Although the layer of Saharan air is currently keeping cyclonic activity at bay, we must be prepared for a possible increase in tropical cyclones once these concentrations decrease in August and September," warned the specialist.

In relation to the intense cyclone season forecasted, the meteorologist mentioned Colorado State University, in its recent update raised its figure to 25 named storms, 12 hurricanes, and 6 intense hurricanes, including those already formed.

In addition, the university pointed out that there is a 67% probability that a powerful hurricane will impact Cuban territory.

The dust from the Sahara has temporarily affected tropical activity and has contributed to the cooling of the Atlantic waters, especially near Africa, recently reported the Local 10 news portal.

According to the information, the dry air loaded with dust coming from the deserts of Northern Africa generally reaches its peak at the end of June and July, and is an anticipated part of the seasonal cycle.

In 2023, the presence of Sahara dust was minimal, with the lowest coverage recorded in at least 20 years, since satellites began measuring that variable.

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