A massive Saharan dust plume is currently on a westward journey across the Atlantic, making its way toward the Texas Gulf Coast, including Houston, San Antonio, Austin, and Corpus Christi. This dense cloud of mineral-rich dust, originating from the Cape Verde Islands near the coast of Senegal, is being carried by east-southeasterly trade winds across the Atlantic Basin, reaching the eastern Caribbean and now heading into the Gulf of Mexico.
As of Friday, June 27, NASA’s Goddard Earth Observing System models show the thickest portion of the dust plume hovering over the Caribbean Sea, especially near Hispaniola, Cuba, and the Bahamas, with another plume already forming off West Africa.
Dust cloud arrival across Texas: what to expect day by day
Friday: The main core of the dust remains concentrated over Cuba, the Dominican Republic, and the Bahamas. Some fine dust particles will begin creeping into the eastern Gulf of Mexico, but Texas will remain unaffected at this stage.
Sunday and Monday: The outer edge of the plume starts moving westward, reaching the Texas coast by late Sunday evening. Expect deteriorating air quality, especially in coastal areas like Houston and Corpus Christi. However, the increased particle density is likely to result in brilliantly colored sunsets across the region.
Tuesday and Wednesday: The thickest part of the dust cloud is forecast to blanket much of Texas. Visibility may drop due to hazy skies, particularly across Houston, San Antonio, Austin, and potentially even Dallas-Fort Worth. Air quality levels are expected to decline significantly, with moderate to high concentrations of particulate matter in the lower atmosphere.
By noon Tuesday, dust models show the bulk of the cloud hovering near the Texas coast, while another wave of dust closes in on Cuba and Hispaniola. By 6 p.m. Sunday, the dust plume will already be inside the Gulf, steadily advancing toward the Lone Star State.
Health impacts from the Saharan dust cloud
The Saharan Air Layer brings with it high volumes of fine particles, including silica, clay, and quartz, all capable of infiltrating deep into the lungs. While most healthy adults may only experience mild eye, nose, or throat irritation, individuals with sensitive respiratory systems, such as young children, the elderly, and people with asthma or cardiovascular disease, may face more serious health issues.
Allergy flare-ups, asthma exacerbations, and general respiratory discomfort are likely. The air quality index (AQI) may reach unhealthy levels for sensitive groups, especially in urban centers like Houston and San Antonio.
Dust cloud and hurricane season: a temporary tropical slowdown
This broad Saharan dust event is part of a larger pattern that has suppressed early-season tropical activity in the Atlantic Ocean. The dry, stable air that travels with these dust clouds creates unfavorable conditions for tropical cyclone development.
Earlier this week, Tropical Storm Andrea, the first named system of the 2025 hurricane season, briefly formed in the central North Atlantic, well north of the dust plume. However, it weakened within 12 hours, failing to maintain tropical characteristics.
With multiple waves of Saharan dust forecast to continue spilling off West Africa over the coming days, tropical development across the Atlantic basin remains unlikely through early July, according to National Hurricane Center projections.
