A cloud of Sahara dust is smothering the Caribbean en route to the U.S.

A significant cloud of Sahara Desert dust has enveloped much of the Caribbean, spanning approximately 2,000 miles from Jamaica to beyond Barbados, and is expected to reach parts of the United States later this week. The high concentration of dust has led to health warnings for individuals with respiratory issues, as local forecasters noted a .55 aerosol optical depth, the highest this year. This phenomenon, which typically occurs from April to October, can hinder tropical wave formation during the Atlantic hurricane season.