Why Amarillo Doesn’t Care About The Big Saharan Dust Cloud

If you haven't heard someone on the news or someone on social media talk about the Saharan dust cloud lately, just wait. The news that a large dust cloud is making it's way from the Sahara desert of Africa to the United States has been everywhere. The dust has traveled thousands of miles and has taken over a week to reach the U.S., and I don't think anyone is Amarillo cares one bit. And we have a good reason for that.

Back when I lived on the east coast, something like this would amaze me and be fascinating. I had never lived in a place with such a dry climate and strong winds. But, after 3 years living in the Texas panhandle, it's just dust. To everyone in the panhandle, dust and dirt is an everyday occurrence. In fact, it would make headlines here if we DIDN'T have dust and dirt blowing around. Everything we own outside is constantly getting covered in dust and dirt. So when someone talks to me about the big Saharan cloud, I kind of chuckle.

Now, I will admit, the Saharan dust cloud is pretty cool when you think about how far it has traveled and how it is affecting the weather along the Gulf and east coasts. While the cloud is not a new occurrence, the size this year is much larger than in years past. Some scientists have even gone so far as to nickname it the "Godzilla Dust Cloud." At it's thickest, it will measure between 2 to 2.5 miles tall and travel about a mile above the ground. While the cloud will make it to Texas, we most likely won't get the full effect this far west. However, at sunrise and looking east, you may be able to see it's effects in the sky. This weekend is expected to be the peak.