Saharan dust passes through, affecting air quality, respiratory health

MIAMI — Massive clouds of dust particles traveled more than 4,000 miles from the African Sahara Desert and over the ocean to South Florida — affecting air quality and respiratory health.

Experts warn people who suffer from heart or lung disease and pregnant women to limit outdoor activities from Wednesday evening to Friday when the dust layer may be thicker.

“It could trigger asthma flares,” said Dr. Samuel Gurevich, a Cleveland Clinic pulmonologist, adding the dust increases the rate of hospitalizations.

The concentration of the floating particles also reduces humidity and causes higher temperatures, hazy skies, red-orange sunsets, and radiant sunrises.

The World Air Quality Index project tracks the safety levels from good to hazardous. Miami-Dade County officials warned the AQI on Wednesday was in the “Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups” range.

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Afternoon report

Weather Authority

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Liane Morejon

Liane Morejon

Liane Morejon is an Emmy-winning reporter who joined the Local 10 News family in January 2010.

Jordan Patrick

Jordan Patrick

AMS Certified Meteorologist Jordan Patrick is no stranger to crazy South Florida weather as he was born and raised right here!

Andrea Torres

Andrea Torres

The Emmy Award-winning journalist joined the Local 10 News team in 2013. She wrote for the Miami Herald for more than 9 years and won a Green Eyeshade Award.