What Are The Effects Of Saharan Dust In Tampa Bay

How does Saharan Dust in Tampa Bay impact residents? From weather patterns to allergies, Saharan Dust is in the air, but is it going somewhere. How much longer to we have to deal with it?

First off, you may be asking, “What is Saharan Dust?” Essentially, it is dust plumes that have blown all the way over here from the Sahara Desert. It’s the Saharan Air Layer, otherwise known as SAL.

There are some very interesting things it does to weather patterns. One of the positive benefits of the SAL is that it reduces the chance of hurricanes because it makes it less likely that tropical storms that will even develop due to the dryer (dustier) air. Also, the SAL makes the sunsets around our Tampa Bay area look even prettier.

But the downside of Saharan Dust is that it can have negative effects on air quality and consequently, on our respiratory systems. Have you been feeling congested? Maybe you’ve been experiencing itchy, red eyes and wondering why you feel this way when the pollen count isn’t high. The Saharan Dust is…well dust. It can cause these symptoms and others. Water eyes and respiratory irritation are possibilities. Of course, if you experience any trouble breathing, it’s important to call a physician right away.

When can we expect the Saharan Dust to go away? In some areas of Florida, particularly East of us, we are starting to see the SAL dissipate somewhat this weekend. More rain showers will start to wash some of it away. We take the good with the bad. Yes, our sniffles and watery eyes will get better, but it could mean more tropical storms will be developing. Some meteorologists and scientists believe the relationship between the SAL and big storms works converse, and they predict that through the next decade, we will see less of the SAL because of the increase in tropical storm activity.

On June 1st, we were immediately reminded it was the beginning of the 2023 hurricane season when the National Hurricane Center reported that we had a tropical depression in the Gulf of Mexico - the second cyclone in the north Atlantic this year.  The first was a sub-tropical storm that formed briefly in the Atlantic basis way back in January.  The tropical depression that ushered in the storm season never made landfall, but it was a good wake-up call to make sure you have everything you need if and when a storm or hurricane actually threatens us in Tampa Bay. Many people remember to pack an evacuation kit for themselves, but scramble to get something together for their pets. Don't forget these things when putting together your hurricane season checklist for your pets.

You should have already pre-planned with a storm checklist and supplies for your family, but have you taken your pets into account?  Do you know what to do for your pets, or where you would take them if a storm threatened your home?  Every year across the south, people refuse to leave their homes because they won't abandon their dogs and cats.  Their hearts are in the right place, but their inaction often leads to unnecessary tragedy.  Some of those tragedies could be avoided with having an actionable plan in place before the emergency comes banging on your door.

Floridadisaster.org, a division of Emergency Management, urges Floridians to make a plan and prepare when it comes to your pets, starting with having somewhere to take your pets.  Do not leave them behind, and do not stay behind with them.  If you are leaving the vicinity, make sure you have carriers for your pets that you can put in the car.  If you are going to a local shelter, scope them out far in advance to find out which ones take pets.  Service animals who assist people with disabilities are allowed in Red Cross shelters, but that's not the case everywhere, so you definitely want to plan ahead.

If you plan on going to a hotel, call ahead - way ahead to make sure they take pets.  If they don't, find another hotel.  You could also talk to friends or relatives out of town, and make reciprocal deals to take each other's pets during a bad storm where you or they will have to leave your homes. If and when a storm approaches, your pets may act differently due to stress.  Keep your dogs leashed and your cats in carriers.  The better your plans are laid out for your pets, the more time you'll have to deal with other pressing contingencies.  Get more tips from the State of Florida right here.

Be sure to store them in a waterproof container. Don't forget a first aid kit.

Some pets have the habit to bolt when outside. Make sure they're secured in their carrier in the case of evacuation.

In the event you are separated from your pet, having an updated photo with your pet will help validate pet ownership.

If you evacuate to a hotel or family members house, they might not be prepared with food, litter, and water bowls. Make sure you bring enough to last at least a week.