Heat and Saharan dust move in which could cause breathing issues

Orlando, Fla. — The heat will be stifling this weekend in Central Florida and a huge mass of dust from the Sahara Desert will thicken today making breathing difficult for some.

WFTV Meteorologist Brian Shields says the heat index could reach between 100 and 108 degrees this weekend and it could be in part due to all that dust in the air.

You may find that mandatory face mask helpful, but still, Shields notes that if you may want to limit your time outdoors.

Saharan Dust plumes are common during this time of the year, but this year experts say it is especially large and imposing, even calling it the Godzilla Dust Cloud.

A mass this large and thick has not been seen for half a century.

These tiny dust particles travel for thousands of miles through what is known as the Saharan Air Layer (SAL).

Moisture is not absorbed by the particles, but the heat is trapped in the levels where the moisture is, preventing the air from rising, inhibiting storm development. The descending hot particles tend to bring very hot temperatures when present.

There is still lots of research being done about how exactly Saharan Dust acts around a tropical cyclone. Usually big, strong storms can fight off the dust, but weaker storms, or if they are not well defined, struggle to survive if dust particles are present.