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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