Giant Sahara Dust Cloud Map Where Is The Weather Phenomenon Headed In The U.S.

According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), the dust cloud is known as the Saharan Air Layer (SAL), and commonly forms during late spring through early fall. Weather.com reported that the densest portion of the cloud emerged off of Western Africa just last weekend and the dust has traveled “3,000 to 4,000 miles” across the Atlantic Ocean.

The Sahara dust cloud is expected to continue moving over the Caribbean Sea, in a westward fashion, but could reach areas near the Gulf Coast and the southern U.S. later this week. Forecasters are predicting that during the next few days, areas like Florida and Cuba will experience the thickest of clouds but by the weekend, the dust will move over parts of Texas and other southeastern states.

According to NOAA, the Sahara dust cloud is usually located in higher altitudes, between 5,000 and 20,000 feet above the earth’s surface. The cloud is moved by strong winds and tropical waves near the central and western Atlantic Ocean between altitudes of 6,500 and 14,500 feet.

As the cloud remains at high altitudes, the dust usually contributes to hazy skies. The cloud also creates beautiful sunrises and sunsets.

Maps, pictures and satellite videos of the dust cloud have been shared across social media, as the cloud continues to move closer to the U.S.

“A computer model forecast of atmospheric dust for the next 10 days. The plume of Saharan dust is expected to move over the Southeastern US next week. The dust will be primarily at higher altitudes, so the main impact will be some especially colorful sunrises/sunsets,” the National Weather Service’s eastern region wrote on their Twitter account.

“Ok, last dust pic for today and this one is perhaps the most incredible yet. The comparison photos were sent to me from Mirco Ferro who lives in St. Barthelemy. Check the dates in the photos (top is from March) - both are unfiltered or altered in any way. #SAL #DUST,” Twitter user Mark Sudduth wrote.

Twitter user Ada Monzon shared pictures of the dust cloud’s impact on Puerto Rico, as it coated cars and other exterior areas in a layer of dust.

“A thin layer of #Saharandust is in the surface of our cars, exterior tables, fans, etc. This extraordinary dense SAL was lifted from the Saharan desert and traveled to the Caribbean. The red color comes from the iron minerals that travel in this layer,” Monzon wrote.

Newsweek reached out to the NOAA for further comment on the dust cloud but did not receive a response in time for publication.