Saharan Desert

The Census Bureau estimated that Florida had 23,372,215 people as of July 1, up from 22,904,868 a year earlier. Florida’s increase of 467,347 people was second only to Texas, which gained 562,941.

Oppressive temperatures this weekend could be dangerous; drink water, find shade

Tom Bayles

The immediate concern this weekend will be the heat, which is expected to be oppressive, intense, and dangerous. Afternoon showers are not expected Saturday due to a “sprawling plume of Saharan dust” blanketing South Florida.

Weather

The weekend's Saharan dust limits storm activity, turns up the heat

Irene Sans

Much of Florida takes a break from the storms, and Saharan dust takes over, making the temperatures soar.

The Sarahan Air Layer, clouds filled with mineral-rich dust giving off an iron-tinged hue, float at about 15,000 feet over the Atlantic Ocean when heading west from Africa to South Florida - and often beyond

Environment

Saharan dust cloud to blanket Florida: it’s normal, and it’ll happen again

Tom Bayles

The Saharan Air Layer can tame hurricanes, help grow fish food in the ocean, beautify sunsets, trigger asthma attacks, and turn blue skies white