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4w ago

Saharan Dust Plume Hazes Texas Skies

Forecasters warn elevated dust could cause short‑term air‑quality and aviation impacts for people with respiratory or heart conditions as the plume is expected to thin by July 1.

The sun rises behind a plume of Saharan dust in Austin on Monday.  Air quality is expected to reach the “unhealthy for sensitive groups” category across South and Southeast Texas on Monday, according to the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality.
This weather satellite photo shows Saharan dust blowing off the western coastline of North Africa. 
NOAA GOES satellite shows Saharan dust cross over Texas border on June 29, 2026.
The sun rises behind a plume of Saharan dust in Austin on Monday.  Air quality is expected to reach the “unhealthy for sensitive groups” category across South and Southeast Texas on Monday, according to the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality.

Overview

  • The plume moved onshore into South‑Central Texas and spread north into Central Texas and the Dallas–Fort Worth area on June 29–30, creating milky daytime skies and vivid sunrises and sunsets.
  • National Weather Service offices reported the dust concentrated in the mid‑levels of the atmosphere around 5,000–6,000 feet with the potential for some downward mixing during daytime heating that could raise near‑surface particle levels.
  • Health authorities, including the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, advised people with asthma, COPD or heart or lung disease to limit outdoor exertion because fine dust under 2.5 micrometers can be inhaled deeply and aggravate symptoms.
  • The dry, stable Saharan Air Layer can temporarily suppress thunderstorm development and lower short‑term odds of tropical cyclone formation while the plume is present.
  • Agencies including the NWS, FAA and state environmental monitors are tracking the event for possible localized air‑quality or aviation impacts, and forecasts call for the plume to thin and mix out as Gulf moisture returns by June 30–July 1.