Louisiana Residents Set for Gorgeous Sunsets and Increased Sinus Infections

(Lafayette, Louisiana) - Hurricane Season is just days away, and soon, many of us along the Gulf Coast will be monitoring the Atlantic and Gulf for the next several months.

As you've heard before, if there's one thing that can suppress tropical activity, it's dust that sweeps across the Atlantic Ocean and into the Gulf.

Well, it's that time of the year, and a giant plume of dust off the west coast of Africa is making its way towards the United States, and that's always welcoming news as we begin a new Hurricane Season.

The plume of dust will not only tame the Atlantic and the Gulf in the weeks ahead, but with so much dust in the air, it can allow for gorgeous sunrises and sunsets on clear days. So, if you are enjoying your morning or evening on the patio and notice beautiful sunrises or sunsets, you can thank the Saharan Dust in the atmosphere.

Effects of Dust in the Atmosphere

Now to the bad news about the dust that is about to make its way along the Gulf Coast. While the African Dust may tame the tropics and allow for gorgeous sunsets in the weeks ahead, the dust in the air could spike your allergies.

So, if you are like me, in the weeks ahead, you may experience sinus issues due to dust in the air, and this may be a great time to stock up on allergy medications before the dust plume impacts your area.

The American Lung Association suggests that if you suffer from allergies, you limit the time you spend outdoors as dust sweeps through your area, or wear a protective mask when outdoors.

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How Does Saharan Dust Suppress Hurricanes

The dust that moves across the ocean brings dry air and strong winds over the region, which helps suppress any tropical activity. Plus, because the dust plume can be so thick, it acts as a cloud, limiting sunlight from reaching the water surface and helping reduce water temperature in the tropics.

Saharan Dust activity typically ramps up in mid-June and peaks from late June to mid-August, with new outbreaks occurring every three to five days.

2026 Hurricane Season Dates

Hurricane Season officially starts on June 1 and ends on November 30th.