A thick plume of Saharan dust is crossing the Gulf of Mexico, barreling into the Texas coastline as of tonight, Sunday, June 29. While light haze will already be visible by morning, the bulk of the dust cloud is expected to sweep across the region by late Sunday night into early Monday, leaving a noticeable mark on sky visibility, air quality, and health through Tuesday.
Hazy skies from San Antonio to Austin by Sunday morning
As of Sunday morning, residents along the Texas Gulf Coast and across cities like San Antonio and Austin should expect slightly hazy skies. Early temperatures will be comfortable, holding steady in the mid to upper 70s°F (24–26°C).
By midday, San Antonio will warm up quickly, hitting 90°F (32°C) around 1 p.m., and peaking at 93°F (34°C) in the late afternoon. Thanks to high humidity levels, the heat index will hover near 100°F (38°C), increasing the perception of heat.
Some isolated showers and weak thunderstorms may develop by the afternoon, but rain coverage will be sparse, with only a 20% chance of precipitation. That means most of the region will stay dry through the evening hours.
Dust surge intensifies overnight across East Texas
The real impact of the Saharan dust plume will unfold after sunset. Unlike the dramatic wall-like haboobs sometimes seen from Arizona to West Texas, this event will be more gradual. You’ll notice the skies growing hazier overnight and especially by Monday and Tuesday.
The heaviest concentrations of airborne particles will accumulate over East Texas, affecting cities like Houston, Beaumont, and Lufkin. Meanwhile, moderate dust levels will also be felt along the Interstate 35 corridor, including New Braunfels, San Antonio, and Austin.
The dust particles, which have already traveled over 4,000 miles from the African continent, contain microscopic minerals like silica and quartz. These particles can be inhaled deeply and may irritate sensitive respiratory systems. While the general population is unlikely to experience severe issues, people with asthma, cardiovascular conditions, or chronic respiratory illnesses, along with young children and the elderly, are at higher risk for complications due to the reduced air quality.
Less dust, same heat by midweek
By Wednesday, concentrations of Saharan dust will begin to fade across Texas, with skies slowly clearing. However, temperatures will remain elevated, staying consistent through the midweek.
From Tuesday through Thursday, San Antonio is expected to see highs between 91°F and 93°F (33–34°C). Overnight lows will remain mild, staying in the mid-70s°F (24°C). There may be a few brief showers or weak storms, but rain chances will remain very low, between 10 and 20%.
Looking ahead to Friday, July 4, temperatures will climb again, with San Antonio forecast to reach the mid-90s°F (35°C). Despite partly cloudy skies, high humidity will push the heat index back near or above 100°F (38°C). Rain looks unlikely, making it possible for most Independence Day outdoor events to go on uninterrupted.
Updated: June 30, 2025, 8:00 a.m. EDT — New York local time
