The tropical Atlantic is in the midst of its most significant outbreak of Saharan dust in over two years.

A massive cloud of dust weighing as much as 200 million tons travels a vast distance across the Atlantic Ocean. The dust is lofted into the air from gusty winds over the Saharan Desert. And we will see it arrive in South Florida this week, the peak of which looks to be Thursday and Friday. Radiant and spectacular sunrises and sunsets occur, as the dust scatters the sunlight, leaving vibrant shades of red and purple as the dominant colors. Expect a reduction in the rain late this week, as the dust dries out the atmosphere and stunts storm coverage.