Friday, September 12, 2025

Annual Sahara Desert dust cloud is en route to Mexico

A massive dust cloud from northern Africa’s Sahara Desert is on its way to Mexico and is expected to reach the Yucatán Peninsula next week.

Large amounts of yellow-colored Sahara dust arrive annually in Mexico, carried by eastern trade winds across the Atlantic Ocean to the Americas. Satellite images show that the huge dust cloud, considerably larger than those seen in recent years, is currently making its way across the ocean.

More than 100 million tonnes of desert dust are picked up by storms in Africa and blown across the Atlantic every June.

Researchers have found that the dust – made up of particles of iron, silicon, mercury and phosphorus, among other chemical elements – has an impact on air pressure above the Atlantic Ocean and can help to suppress the intensity of hurricanes.

The dust also act as a natural fertilizer and has been found to play a key role in restoring minerals to depleted rainforest soils in South America’s Amazon basin.

However, research also shows that it may be harmful to coral reefs if it descends into the ocean before reaching land. One study found that the dust can trigger toxic algae blooms, also known as red tides, that have the capacity to kill large numbers of fish, shellfish, marine mammals and birds.

As it reaches the Yucatán Peninsula, the dust is likely to create spectacular, brightly-hued sunrises and sunsets. Meteorologists say its arrival could be accompanied by torrential rain.

The dust is not considered particularly harmful to human health but can cause irritation in the eyes and throat, trigger allergies and aggravate respiratory conditions such as asthma.

Yucatán Peninsula residents are advised to limit outdoor activities while it is present in the region’s air.

Source: Xataka (sp), Noticieros Televisa (sp) 

Have something to say? Paid Subscribers get all access to make & read comments.
gas tanker after explosion

Horrific gas tanker explosion in Mexico City claims 8 lives, injures 90

3
The accident occurred on a busy highway in the Iztapalapa borough of Mexico City when a gas tanker crashed and exploded, sending out huge flames that engulfed dozens of vehicles.
Navy sailors stand guard next to packages of cocaine, displayed between two navy ships

Navy seizes 1,600 kilos of cocaine off the coast of Guerrero

9
More than 48 metric tons of cocaine have now been confiscated since President Sheinbaum took office last October, authorities say.
Steering wheel of a BYD brand chinese electric car

Facing US pressure, Mexico to raise tariffs on Chinese cars to 50%

15
Mexico will increase the tariff on Chinese cars to the maximum level permitted by the World Trade Organization, Economy Minister Ebrard said Wednesday.
BETA Version - Powered by Perplexity