Saharan Dust Plume and Tropical Rumors Threaten Walt Disney World Weather
A rare September Saharan dust plume is heading towards Walt Disney World in Central Florida, bringing with it unusual weather conditions. The Saharan Air Layer (SAL) typically declines in mid-September, but forecast models show a robust late-season dust plume making its way to the Caribbean and Florida.
The dry air associated with the Saharan Air Layer can potentially reduce rain and thunderstorms, but current forecasts still call for periodic showers and storms across Central Florida next week. The influx of dry air may also lead to rising daytime temperatures, reaching the upper 80s to mid-90s in some areas.
The dust plume will create hazy skies during the day, while scattering sunlight into striking orange and red hues at sunset. Some particulate matter can reach ground level, briefly reducing air quality for sensitive individuals.