They forecast the arrival of Saharan dust in the Gulf of Mexico this weekend.

Specialists warn that this weekend the state of Florida in the U.S. and the countries in the Gulf of Mexico region will be affected by the arrival of Sahara dust.

Matt Devitt, meteorologist from Pennsylvania State University, reported on Facebook that the arrival of Saharan dust is forecasted by the end of this week, affecting the region throughout the weekend.

Among the negative consequences of this phenomenon, the specialist warned about the low quality of the air, which can worsen respiratory conditions, as well as cloudy skies and dusty rain.

He also mentioned that the occurrence of storms decreases, although these could become stronger.

He indicated that the sensation of heat intensifies, and that dust can transport bacteria, which could lead to algae blooms like red tide.

However, he also pointed out some effects that can be considered beneficial. Among them, he mentioned that Sahara dust weakens tropical systems and reduces activity due to its layer of dry air, which contains 50% less moisture.

Furthermore, he pointed out that the iron carried by dust helps fertilize the land and feeds phytoplankton in the ocean, which is crucial for releasing oxygen into the atmosphere.

Devitt explained that most of the dust is found at altitudes between 5,000 and 15,000 feet in the atmosphere and travels more than 5,000 miles across the Atlantic.

He emphasized that it is not a new phenomenon, but modern technologies allow for its detection and forecasting with greater precision.

Additionally, he pointed out that, on average, more than 180 million tons of dust are transported from Africa each year.

The Sahara dust is a phenomenon that has affected Cuba and the rest of the nations in the area on several occasions.

In previous occasions, the Ministry of Public Health (MINSAP) of Cuba has issued a series of recommendations to prevent harm to the population, which include the use of face masks or nasobucos.

He has also advised to avoid unnecessary exposure to pollution, especially in more vulnerable people: the elderly, pregnant women, children, and patients with chronic respiratory diseases.