A massive Saharan dust cloud will engulf parts of the US as it travels 5,000 miles across the Atlantic Ocean

Scientists have revealed that a large amount of dust from the Sahara Desert will drift 5,000 miles across the Atlantic Ocean towards the US this week.

The huge plume was formed by strong winds that swept tiny sand and mineral particles from the Sahara’s surface – and the current wave is the largest of the season.

Scientists predict that Saharan dust will reach the coast of South Florida and the Gulf of Mexico this weekend and spread into southern Texas.

Floridians with asthma and other upper respiratory problems should be wary of going outside or doing physical activities because the dust storm could cause coughing, wheezing and shortness of breath, experts warn.

The immense clouds are forecast to sweep across the entire ocean before hitting Florida and the Gulf of Mexico, along with parts of Texas, between Thursday and Sunday.

The National Hurricane Center reported that active tropical waves are coming off the African coast, but the dust particles absorb sunlight and act as an air stabilizer to reduce tropical waves so cyclones cannot develop.

“Right now, this is all good news. We like to think of it in terms of the tropics, especially because it’s probably going to be a busy season,” meteorologist Jessica Dobson said. Fox35.

This year is expected to be one of the most active on record, with 24 named storms predicted, 11 of which are expected to escalate into hurricanes.

Saharan dust travels 5,000 miles from the Sahara to the Florida coast every year. This dust storm is expected to be the largest yet this season

The Saharan dust, also called the Saharan Air Layer (SAL), forms over the Sahara Desert every spring, extending one to five miles above the surface and reaching thousands of miles in length.

Outbreaks usually occur every three to five days until they peak from mid-June to mid-August, often bringing colorful and hazy sunsets on the Florida coast characterized by their yellow and red hues.

As the dust travels toward the U.S., a dry air pocket forms thousands of feet above sea level. This will create drier air and warmer conditions, suppressing tropical developments such as hurricanes by removing the moisture they need to form.

They also cause strong winds in the upper parts of the SAL, reaching up to 90 kilometers per hour and ripping away the cloud tops of tropical hurricanes.

The Saharan dust season begins in spring and peaks between mid-June and mid-August each year

Saharan dust will hit the Florida coast and travel across the Gulf of Mexico before reaching the southern region of Texas

Florida’s ecosystem will also benefit from the SAL, which acts as a natural fertilizer because it is rich in iron and helps the phytoplankton and other marine life in the ocean.

The phytoplankton feed on the iron and nutrients from the dust, allowing them to grow and reproduce, which in turn feeds the zooplankton – a food source for small fish – which feed larger fish.

However, the dust particles from the SAL will also cause higher levels of allergies and affect people with asthma and upper respiratory problems.

Doctors have advised people to protect themselves by keeping their windows and doors closed, wearing a mask when going outside and keeping their prescribed inhaler or other medications with them at all times.

If you experience symptoms such as coughing, wheezing, chest pain, or shortness of breath, seek medical attention immediately.