Can Saharan dust reach New Jersey?

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.

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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.