Saharan Dust Brings Vivid Sunsets to Indiana Skies

Indiana skies are about to get a glow-up. Over the next few weeks, dust from the Sahara Desert will drift into the Midwest, creating stunning sunsets.

Dust from Africa Headed to Indiana Skies

You're probably wondering if you read that right. I get it. I did, too, when I first heard about it. Sahara Desert dust will be blowing into the Evansville area and other parts of Indiana soon.

What Is Saharan Dust and How Far Does It Travel

Dust that has traveled more than 6,000 miles on atmospheric winds from North Africa will soon be arriving here in the Hoosier State. Although it's not the first time. We saw Saharan Dust impact our region back in 2022.

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Saharan Dust Has Both Perks and Problems

As it turns out, Saharan Dust is both incredibly beneficial and deeply harmful. Experts at the National Environmental Data and Information Service, which is part of NOAA, say the dust can provide nutrients to "both continental and maritime ecosystems." However, it can also cause damage to crops.

...dust from the Sahara desert is believed to help fertilize the Amazon rainforest across the Atlantic, and minerals such as iron and phosphorus are known to benefit marine biomass production in parts of the oceans lacking these elements. Despite this, dust can also damage crops and increase soil erosion as well as impact irrigation canals, transportation routes, water quality, and solar power output. Thus, it is important to know where dust is moving to and where it may settle. - NOAA

How Scientists Track Dust Storms from Space

Scientists say that the dust particles, which can stay suspended in the air for days or even weeks, have light-reflecting qualities that make it possible to track the dust storm with satellite monitoring using something known as the DEBRA-Dust Product. It works to distinguish dust from other things like clouds and smoke that may show up on satellite imaging.

Ryan Hohm

Where the Dust Is Now and When It Reaches Indiana

The Saharan Dust reached Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands earlier this week, according to the National Weather Service out of San Juan. The dust cloud is expected to begin impacting Florida as early as this weekend, with reports indicating it could linger in the Sunshine State for a couple of days.

What to Expect as the Dust Reaches Indiana

The dust will create vivid sunsets and sunrises, but could also impact air quality. Those with respiratory sensitivity may need to take precautions. Check current air quality levels at AirNow.gov. You may also notice a haze in the air as it reaches the Tristate in the coming weeks. Indiana Weather Online indicates that the Saharan Dust could impact Evansville and the surrounding area around the second week of June.

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LOOK: The most expensive weather and climate disasters in recent decades

Stacker ranked the most expensive climate disasters by the billions since 1980 by the total cost of all damages, adjusted for inflation, based on 2021 data from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). The list starts with Hurricane Sally, which caused $7.3 billion in damages in 2020, and ends with a devastating 2005 hurricane that caused $170 billion in damage and killed at least 1,833 people. Keep reading to discover the 50 of the most expensive climate disasters in recent decades in the U.S.

Gallery Credit: KATELYN LEBOFF