New Jersey
Can Saharan dust reach New Jersey?
3 amazing ways Saharan dust impacts planet Earth
Every massive plumes of dust rise from Africa’s Sahara Desert and blow over the Atlantic travelling as far as the U.S. and the Amazon in South America.
GeoBeats, GeoBeats
The first round of Saharan dust for summer 2026 is set to sweep over parts of the U.S. Southeast this weekend. AccuWeather expects it to hit Gulf Coast soon, and new waves are expected come all summer.
Also known as the Saharan Air Layer, the annual weather phenomenon can help dampen hurricanes. It makes sunsets and sunrises look dramatic and can negatively affect air quality.
Now, does the Saharan dust reaches the Northeast? Can it reach New Jersey? Here’s what to know about the Saharan dust.
What is Saharan dust?
Just like the name suggests, dust and dirt from the Sahara Desert in Africa are swept across the globe.
According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, the dry, dusty air forms over the arid region from spring through autumn. Trade winds can catch the dust, pushing a miles-thick layer in the atmosphere thousands of feet above the ground.
Which states are affected? Does Sahara dust reaches New Jersey?
The Sahara Dust typically affects the Caribbean, Bahamas, Florida and areas nearby. According to NOAA, it can reach as far west at Texas.
The massive plumes pushed across the ocean can be as large as the lower 48 states, and the dust can reach New Jersey, though with minimal impact.
Previous reporting suggests that when the dust reaches New Jersey, its effect is not perceptible inland, but those living by the ocean can suffer mild effects from it. Sahara dust tends to produce hazy skies and dry air.
This time around, the forecast doesn’t expect the dust from the coming wave reaching the Northeast.
➤ What is ‘dirty rain’? How Saharan dust can impact the weather
When does Saharan dust reach the U.S.? When does Sahara dust season peak?
Saharan dust season typically starts mid-June and peaks from late June to mid-August, according to NOAA. In the U.S., bands can hit about every three to five days.
How does Saharan dust affect air quality? Can it cause coughing or sinus issues?
Saharan dust can affect air quality and trigger coughing and sinus issues for some people, especially if the coverage is thick.
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention defines the weather phenomenon as a form of particulate pollution. It’s made of sand and minerals, but it’s not the same kind of dust as the household variety with dust mites.
People with asthma or other health issues affected by air quality might want to stay inside as much as possible when the dust is heavy in their area.
If you’re concerned about breathing in the particles, use a mask outside and an air purifier with a filter indoors.
According to information from Baptist Health System, the respiratory issues caused by the dust can mimic a COVID-19 infection. Coughing and chest tightness with no fever might be an allergic reaction or your body responding to an irritant.
The Instituto Espaillat Cabral, an ophthalmology center in the Dominican Republic, recommends wearing protective eyewear and keeping your eyes hydrated to keep the dust from irritating your eyes. If you get debris in your eye, avoid rubbing it.
Does Saharan dust ‘stop’ hurricanes?
Saharan dust can suppress the energy needed for hurricanes to form and intensify. It’s more like starving a storm than making one stop in its tracks.
Large amounts of dust can keep the surface of the ocean slightly cooler, which can help prevent storms from growing or forming.
According to the National Weather Service, the lower humidity and warm, dry air can also weaken an existing storm with downdrafts or throw off the heat signature of a cyclone.
Juan Carlos Castillo is a New Jersey-based trending reporter for the USA Today network. He covers weather, and national events focusing on how they affect New Jersey, Pennsylvania and Delaware.
EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J., June 25, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — As America celebrates 250 years of independence, the New Jersey Hall of Fame (NJHOF) announces its next class of Jersey legends whose accomplishments have shaped the world as we know it. The list of 13 inductees includes Grammy award-winning recording artist SZA, the 50th Governor of New Jersey Christine Todd Whitman, and former New York Giants linebacker Lawrence Taylor.
“The Class of 2026 showcases the diverse talent, resilience, and spirit of achievement that define the great state of New Jersey,” said NJHOF Chairman Jon F. Hanson. “Each inductee, through their creativity, leadership, and pursuit of excellence, has made impactful contributions that continue to inspire future generations.”
The inductees will be honored at the 18th Annual NJHOF Induction Ceremony on September 24, 2026, hosted by Danny DeVito at the recently-completed Dream Live Performing Arts Center at American Dream. General Admission ticket sales for the event will be announced at a later date.
“As our nation celebrates 250 years of independence, New Jersey is proud to honor a remarkable group of individuals whose achievements reflect the talent, innovation, and determination that define the Garden State,” said Governor Mikie Sherrill. “The New Jersey Hall of Fame’s Class of 2026 has made a lasting impact in their fields and serves as an inspiration to future generations. I congratulate this outstanding class of inductees and thank them for their contributions to New Jersey and beyond.”
The homecoming celebration for these Garden State greats will be complemented by year-round programming that honors the lasting impact of inductees from the Class of 2026 and previous years at the state-of-the-art NJHOF at American Dream. “Our mission is to provide everyone with a hero to look up to, both in times of struggle and achievement,” said Steve Edwards, NJHOF President. “Each of this year’s thirteen inductees exemplifies the concept of Areté, or striving for your highest potential in the face of adversity, offering boundless inspiration to those pursuing their own aspirations.”
The New Jersey Hall of Fame Class of 2026 is:
Arts & Letters
Big Joe Henry, “Livin’ Large and Lovin’ Life” New Jersey radio personality and philanthropist
Education, Research, Engineering & Science
Geraldine R. Dodge*, author, philanthropist, and benefactor of the Geraldine R. Dodge Foundation
Thomas M. Eastwick, Founder and President of Eastwick College and the HoHoKus School of Trade and Technical Sciences
Enterprise
James E. Burke*, Former CEO of Johnson & Johnson
Robert C. Garrett, CEO of Hackensack Meridian Health, New Jersey’s largest health network
Christopher J. Paladino, President of New Brunswick Development Corporation (DEVCO)
Performing Arts & Entertainment
The Rascals, American rock band known for top-chart hits including “Groovin”
SZA, Grammy Award-winning singer-songwriter and Academy Award nominee
Public Service
Donald Milford Payne Sr.*, New Jersey’s first African American elected to Congress
Governor Christine Todd Whitman, writer, former Administrator of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, and New Jersey’s 50th Governor
Sports
Dr. John J. McMullen*, Former owner of the New Jersey Devils and Houston Astros
Lawrence Taylor, Former New York Giants linebacker for 13 seasons
Unsung Hero
Tom Weatherall, President & CEO of Make-A-Wish® New Jersey
*Being honored posthumously.
The 13 inductees were chosen from 60 nominees after a public vote. The Hall of Fame reserves the right to announce other inductees at a later time.
ABOUT THE NJHOF: Because everyone needs a hero, the New Jersey Hall of Fame (NJHOF) honors citizens who have made invaluable contributions to society, the State of New Jersey, and the world beyond. Since 2008, the NJHOF has hosted 17 ceremonies for more than 260 notable individuals and groups in recognition of their induction into the Hall of Fame. The NJHOF endeavors to present school children with significant and impactful role models to show that they can, and should, strive for excellence. The NJHOF is thankful for the support of its many sponsors, like Hackensack Meridian Health, without which none of our endeavors would be possible. For more information, go to www.njhalloffame.org.
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MEDIA CONTACTS:
Aimee Brooks, [email protected], (973) 204-1339
SOURCE New Jersey Hall of Fame
Thursday, June 25, 2026 10:34AM
CARTERET, New Jersey (WABC) — Two tractor-trailers crashed on the NJ Turnpike and burst into flames early Thursday morning.
The fire completely shut down the northbound side of the turnpike on the inner roadway north of interchange 12.
The two-tractor trailers collided before 5 a.m. and became fully engulfed. One of the trucks was carrying lumber.
Traffic was at a complete standstill near the scene for more than an hour.
It’s not expected to reopen for some time while crews work to extinguish the fire.
The extent of the injuries to those involved is not yet known.
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Video shows a driver hitting a Minnesota woman who was protesting outside an ICE facility in New Jersey. An activist from St. Paul, Minnesota, who drove to Delaney Hall to protest, was struck by a facility worker.
“I have not processed it; I have no room to process it. I have absolutely compartmentalized it in order to get done what needs to be done,” Alex James said.
Alex James spent hours in the hospital in Newark after she was hit.
“It was mostly bruising and much of the bruising appeared later,” James said. “I’m a little baffled at that. I haven’t been in an incident like this.”
The facility has become a flashpoint over allegations of overcrowding and tough treatment; claims the White House Border Czar denies.
“I toured the whole facility. Is it a five-star resort? No, but is it a well-run detention center? Yes,” said White House Border Czar Tom Homan to CBS News.
James says while it’s a long way from the Whipple Federal Building, she sees similarities and claims she’s been peaceful the whole time.
“The First Amendment right is the First Amendment right for a reason,” James said. “We have a right to speak out against what we feel is injustice.”
In a statement, the Department of Homeland Security said the vehicle that hit James was not being driven by an ICE employee and referred WCCO to the GEO group.
The GEO group is an ICE contractor. It did not respond to WCCO’s request for comment.
CBS News Confirmed investigated that the license plate shows the vehicle is from Delaware and has a registration date of May 28, 2026.
“Rioters surrounded an employee’s vehicle, assaulted federal officers, interfered with a lawful arrest, and attempted to obstruct law enforcement operations. One rioter was arrested after she bit a law enforcement officer. Violence against law enforcement will not be tolerated. Law and order will prevail,” DHS said in a separate statement on Sunday.
On Wednesday, Newark Public Safety Director Emanuel Miranda Sr. said detectives identified the suspect as 38-year-old Thomas Brown. He faces a charge of assault by auto and was issued a traffic ticket for reckless driving.
“I’m just existing and in protest, in peaceful protest and things keep happening,” James said.
When WCCO asked her when she’ll return to Minnesota, she said, “I don’t know when I’m going to be back.”
Newark police say they responded to the crash and they’re still investigating.
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