The Worst 'Monster Yellow Dust' Hits the US... COVID-19 Spread Expected

Published 25 Jun.2020 13:46(KST)

Texas, Florida, and Other Southeastern US States Expected to Be Hit Hard

Saharan dust cloud landing on the Caribbean island nation of Barbados. The Saharan dust cloud, originating from the Sahara Desert in Africa, is forecasted to reach the United States on the 25th (local time).
[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Intern Reporter Kim Bong-ju] The worst sandstorm originating from the Sahara Desert in North Africa is expected to soon reach the mainland United States.

As the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) is rapidly spreading again in the U.S., experts predict that this sandstorm assault could further worsen the COVID-19 situation.

According to CNN on the 24th (local time), the Sahara dust cloud is forecasted to cross the Gulf of Mexico and reach the U.S. mainland as early as the 25th.

CNN reported that by this weekend, Texas, Louisiana, Florida, and even the eastern regions are expected to fall under the influence of the sandstorm.

The Sahara dust cloud is a meteorological phenomenon that occurs annually due to the dry air layer above the Sahara Desert. It peaks from late June to mid-August.

This year, it contains an enormous amount of desert dust, earning nicknames such as "Godzilla" and "Monster."

Researchers at the University of Puerto Rico told CBS, "It is the worst dust cloud in 50 years in terms of density and size."

The UK's Natural Environment Research Council (NERC) explained that while a significant amount of Sahara dust disperses in the wind as it crosses the Atlantic, this year the dust layer is so thick that it is visible even on satellites.

Claire Ryder, a NERC research team leader, told CNN, "It is an unusual phenomenon for a high concentration Sahara dust cloud to reach the U.S. airspace," adding, "It is the largest dust cloud we have ever observed."

NBC cited experts saying, "The Sahara dust cloud worsens respiratory diseases such as asthma," and "Since COVID-19 is also a respiratory disease, it could be an even bigger problem."