HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, Fla. — While Saharan dust makes its way toward Florida with the promise of hazy skies and beautiful sunrises and sunsets, another issue could arise — worsened air quality and increased air pollution.
Because of the increased risk of higher air pollution, Hillsborough County environmental leaders have issued an air pollution precaution, effective immediately. The precaution will be in place from June 28 through at least June 30, officials said.
The reason for this precaution stems from the potential for inhalable particulate matter (PM) of 2.5 micrometers or less to reach an unhealthy level for sensitive groups. Air Quality Index (AQI) values could reach high-moderate levels between 51-100.
This affects "unusually" sensitive groups and individuals including the elderly, children and those who have respiratory ailments. People who fall into these categories should consider reducing the amount of time you're outdoors and the amount of exertion.
What is Saharan dust?
The Saharan Air Layer (SAL), commonly known as Saharan dust, originates along the southern edge of the Sahara Desert in Africa. Tropical waves in the lower-to-middle atmosphere lift large amounts of dust into the atmosphere and carry it across the Atlantic, according to University of Miami hurricane researcher Dr. Jason Dunion.
The Saharan dust is usually a 2 to 2.5-mile-thick layer of the atmosphere that starts about a mile, or 5,280 feet, above Earth's surface.
Dunion says the Saharan Air Layer usually becomes most active starting mid-June and peaks from late June to mid-August. During the peak period for Saharan dust activity, the SAL can reach as far west as Florida, Central America and even Texas.
How can I stay cool this summer in Tampa Bay?
Temperatures could reach record highs in the Tampa Bay area, with inland cities soaring to "feels-like" temps in the 100s.
If you can, health officials recommend staying inside where it's cool, especially during the early afternoon hours between 2-3 p.m. when temperatures peak.
Before that, here are five (free) preventative measures you can take, starting right now, to avoid overheating.
- Drink plenty of water
- Dress appropriately
- Use cool wash rags
- Head to the water
- Place ice buckets in front of a fan
When it comes to keeping your family safe, you'll want to know the signs of heat illness or worse, heat stroke.
Symptoms of heat exhaustion include excessive sweating, nausea, a weak pulse, dizziness, muscle cramps and cool, clammy skin.
If this happens, get to a cool place and drink water.
Click here for more tips on staying cool in the Tampa Bay area.
