AUSTIN, Texas — The dog days of summer are here. That means lots of sunshine and hot temps – pool weather! This new weather pattern may be a little bit of a shellshock for some, given that our June was slightly below average, similar to the past few months. High pressure will return us to drier weather. But a new driving force of the forecast lies ahead: dust.

Beginning next week, a particularly dense wave of dust will move in. (CBS Austin)

Beginning next week, a particularly dense wave of dust will move in. (CBS Austin)

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Around this time of year, Saharan dust storms begin to fire up, oftentimes blowing over the Atlantic Ocean, drying up any tropical systems, and rendering the Atlantic quiet and barren for a few weeks. That dust has technically already arrived in Central Texas, with hazy skies being observed to close out this week. But our worries may grow to be more than just hazy skies.

Beginning next week, a particularly dense wave of dust will move in. This could greatly impact visibilities, and those who are asthmatic or particularly sensitive to dust particles should stay inside as much as possible or even wear masks to make breathing a bit easier. This, along with temperatures in the mid to upper 90s, could make for a hazardous environment for those getting exercise outdoors, particularly those who are susceptible to dust affecting their breathing.

According to the National Weather Service, Air Quality Alerts will likely be needed to start out next week as Tuesday already is expected to be “unhealthy for sensitive groups”. For up-to-date information on the air quality issues, you can find them here.

The dust could greatly impact visibilities, and those who are asthmatic or particularly sensitive to dust particles should stay inside as much as possible or even wear masks to make breathing a bit easier. (CBS Austin)

The dust could greatly impact visibilities, and those who are asthmatic or particularly sensitive to dust particles should stay inside as much as possible or even wear masks to make breathing a bit easier. (CBS Austin)

The air quality is expected to improve quickly as the dense plume of dust heads to our northeast by Wednesday. Sneakily, right behind that plume of dust is a brief burst of moisture that could introduce some scattered showers around the region. We’ll know more about that this weekend.

In the meantime, get those old COVID masks ready and keep them handy. You might need them next week.