Sahara Dust Impedes Tropical Storms As FL Braces For Daily Rainfall, Flood Risk

FLORIDA — Amid a heat advisory and daily storms that carry flood and lightning risks, a Florida-based hurricane specialist surmised dust blowing from the Sahara could briefly impact tropical weather in the Atlantic Ocean.

Through at least next week, Local 10 Hurricane Specialist and Surge Expert Michael Lowry said the Saharan dust could impede new tropical developments in the Atlantic. But, he noted the relief from tropical weather could be brief since the peak of the hurricane season nears in September.

Lowry added the reason for the tropical delay is due to disturbances blending with dust in the western Sahara. The dust is being thrown into the tropical North Atlantic along with the disturbances, he said.

"The dry environment is starving the disturbances of the more humid-laden air, especially in the middle part of the atmosphere, that’s needed for development," Lowry wrote in his analysis. "So for the next week or so, don’t expect much in the way of tropical mischief. ... by later next week, we may begin to see a little more liveliness across the Atlantic as we turn the calendar to September, the peak month of the hurricane season."

This news comes after Hurricane Debby forced its way through Florida and other parts of the East Coast in early August, causing 500 water rescues and six deaths.

It also comes amid a daily storm forecast for much of the Sunshine State, affecting areas from North Florida to South Florida and areas in between, through Tuesday.

Due to potential numerous to scattered thunderstorms, the National Weather Service said localized flooding was possible along the East Coast Wednesday. The Atlantic coastal waters, southeast Florida, southern Florida, southwest Florida and the Gulf of Mexico could see impact.

The storms in South Florida are expected to begin Wednesday afternoon. Wind gust speeds could reach 50 mph, and frequent lightning and heavy downpours may arise, the weather service said.

Furthermore, South Florida is under a heat advisory until 6 p.m. Wednesday as peak heat indices could range from 105-111.

A trough along the East Coast could cause concern for scattered to numerous thunderstorms through the remainder of the week in the southern region.

Temperatures in the Tampa area are expected to linger around 90 degrees as storms may persist through Tuesday.

Lowry encouraged residents to make hurricane plans and refill any storm supplies. A two-week disaster preparedness sales tax holiday starts Saturday in Florida.

Around 12:30 p.m., the National Weather Service predicted the following detailed forecast for Tampa Bay:

This Afternoon: Scattered showers and thunderstorms before 2 p.m., then showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm between 2 p.m. and 5 p.m., then scattered showers and thunderstorms after 5 p.m. Partly sunny, with a high near 92. Heat index values as high as 102. Southwest wind around 7 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60 percent. New rainfall amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible.

Tonight: Scattered showers and thunderstorms, mainly after 3 a.m. Partly cloudy, with a low around 76. Southwest wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening. Chance of precipitation is 30 percent.

Thursday: Scattered showers and thunderstorms, then showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm after 8 a.m. Partly sunny, with a high near 89. Heat index values as high as 97. Calm wind becoming south southwest around 6 mph in the morning. Chance of precipitation is 70 percent. New rainfall amounts between three quarters and one inch possible.

Thursday Night: Scattered showers and thunderstorms, mainly before 2 a.m. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 74. Light east southeast wind. Chance of precipitation is 40 percent.

Friday: Scattered showers and thunderstorms, then showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm after 2 p.m. Mostly sunny, with a high near 91. East wind 3-6 mph. Chance of precipitation is 70 percent.

Friday Night: Showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm before 8 p.m., then scattered showers and thunderstorms between 8 p.m. and 2 a.m. Partly cloudy, with a low around 75. East wind around 6 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60 percent.

Saturday: Scattered showers and thunderstorms between 8 a.m. and 2 p.m., then showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm after 2 p.m. Mostly sunny, with a high near 93. East northeast wind around 7 mph. Chance of precipitation is 70 percent.

Saturday Night: Showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm before 8 p.m., then scattered showers and thunderstorms between 8 p.m. and 2 a.m. Partly cloudy, with a low around 75. East wind around 7 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60 percent.

Sunday: Scattered showers and thunderstorms between 8 a.m. and 2 p.m., then showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm after 2 p.m. Mostly sunny, with a high near 93. East wind around 7 mph. Chance of precipitation is 70 percent.

Sunday Night: Showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm before 8 p.m., then scattered showers and thunderstorms between 8 p.m. and 2 a.m. Partly cloudy, with a low around 76. Chance of precipitation is 60 percent.

Monday: Showers and thunderstorms likely. Mostly sunny, with a high near 93. Chance of precipitation is 70 percent.

Monday Night: Showers and thunderstorms likely. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 76. Chance of precipitation is 60 percent.

Tuesday: Showers and thunderstorms likely. Mostly sunny, with a high near 93. Chance of precipitation is 70 percent.