ATLANTA — Hazy skies are visible across north Georgia Friday, as a plume of Saharan Dust sits over the state.
The haziness was visible both in Atlanta and in the north Georgia mountains. From our 11Alive tower camera, haziness could be seen high above the city, clouding the bottom of the atmosphere.
At the airport, a similar hazy view:
It was also visible in north Georgia from our 11Alive Weather Camera in Dahlonega. The dust lowered visibility in the distance towards other mountain peaks.
Saharan dust arrived in Texas earlier this week and was carried eastward into Georgia by steering currents in the atmosphere.
The concentration of dust looks to peak across the Atlanta area Friday evening. This could create a sunset with more hues of red around the sun and fewer hues of yellow. This is because the dust helps to scatter light.
The dust is also degrading air quality in the Atlanta area. Early Friday afternoon, we reached 'Code Orange' levels, which are unhealthy for sensitive groups.
It is expected to push further south through the state on Saturday and then exit by Sunday.
Saharan Dust originates in the Saharan Desert, the largest hot-desert in the world. Early in the Atlantic hurricane season, we often see plumes of dust being carried across the Atlantic Ocean. These dust plumes can cause more vivid sunsets. The dust is also co-located with dry air as it crosses the Atlantic, which can suppress tropical activity.
Even though we are seeing the dust over Georgia today, the tropics are heating up. We are watching Potential Tropical Cyclone Four, which is expected to become a tropical storm over the weekend.
