What to expect from the incoming Saharan dust storm

The storm is projected to reach the St. Louis area by Saturday.

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A cloud of dust from the Saharan Desert is expected to reach the St. Louis area Saturday, where it will likely stay for about 48 hours, creating enhanced sunsets and potential minor health hazards. As of Friday, the storm had already covered parts of the southeastern United States. Here's what we know about the plume of Saharan dust:

What is the Saharan dust storm?

A wind picked up dust and sand from the Saharan Desert and carried it across the Caribbean and Atlantic to the coasts, heading toward the central United States. This happens yearly during the summer months; the difference this year is that it carries a particularly high concentration of dust, explains Dr. Derek Byers, Washington University pulmonologist at Barnes-Jewish Hospital. 

What will the dust storm look like?

Dr. H. James Wedner, chief of allergy and immunology at Washington University and Barnes-Jewish Hospital, says it depends on how much dust actually reaches St. Louis. "There may be some darkening," he says. "The air will look darker when you look up; instead of blue, it'll look ugly brownish-gray." On the bright side, Byers says the dust can cause sunrises and sunsets to become more vivid. 

Will the storm affect people's health?

For those without regular respiratory issues, probably not. The dust will mainly worsen conditions for people with asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and other respiratory issues. Seasonal allergy–sufferers can also feel its impacts, though Wedner says that usually happens over a period of time. 

"The dust contains silica and quartz particles that can irritate the airways," Byers said in a statement. "Some people with no breathing problems may even notice that it is more difficult to breathe. However, it is not a reason for healthy people to avoid going outside." 

What precautions can people take to avoid breathing problems?

If you do notice you're having trouble breathing, the best thing to do is move inside, shut the windows, and turn on the air-conditioning. Having an AC unit running will help filter any unwanted particles out of the air. The cloth and surgical masks people are wearing to prevent the spread of the novel coronavirus won't do much to keep out the fine dust particles, Wedner says, but N95 masks will because they have a filter. 

With the dust storm expected to last a maximum of two days, those who are concerned about their health might consider just staying inside. 

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