Image of Saharan dust concentrations courtesy of AirNow.gov.
The Saharan dust plume drifting up from the Gulf and into Central Texas resulted in an “unhealthy for sensitive groups” warning from AirNow.gov today.
As of 6 p.m. the Air Quality Index (AQI) was 103, the low-end of this category, which runs from 101 to 150.
Tomorrow’s dust “forecast” calls for moderate impacts of less than 100 AQI.
The AQI is issued by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). It uses color-coded categories and provides statements for each category and details which groups of people may be affected.
Another surge of dust is expected later this week.
