Florida's Dusty 'Hurricane Shield' Is Fading As A Tropical Disturbance Swirls The Atlantic
The Sunshine State had a treat of amazing sunsets and lower chances for hurricanes with the arrival of several Saharan dust clouds over the summer, but the “hurricane shield” is now moving on from its Florida vacation and leaving the state vulnerable to storms once again.
The Saharan African Layer blew in across the Atlantic and sucked up the moisture in the air, helping to mitigate the development of storms, but as it reaches its peak dryness and starts to dissipate this week, it will leave storms with more room for easier and quicker development.
Editor's Choice: 7 Florida Kayaking Spots That'll Show You A Magical Side Of The Sunshine State
“
By mid-August, this is the point where the SAL is smaller and not reaching as far.
Jason Dunion
Jason Dunion, a meteorologist at the University of Miami at NOAA’s Atlantic Oceanographic and Meteorological Laboratory Hurricane Research Division, was quoted by the Orlando Sentinel as saying that August 15 is when Floridians can expect to see the “shield” weakening.
As the shield fades, another tropical disturbance in the Atlantic is brewing, with a 90% chance of becoming a tropical cyclone in the next 48 hours, though it's too early to tell exactly what path this potential storm may take.
This has proven to be a particularly active and unusual hurricane season so far for Florida, so it never hurts to stay prepared, watch for weather updates, and stay safe!