FLORIDA — A Saharan dust plume is forecast to move over Florida on the weekend of July 11-12, 2026, bringing hazy conditions. The dust is expected to concentrate over the state by July 11 and expand across the Gulf of Mexico by July 12.

As of July 8, 2026, Saharan dust had moved over the region, creating dry and hazy conditions across south Florida; video from Dania Beach showed a hazy sunrise. Satellite imagery captured the dust layer that afternoon. The dust remained dominant on July 9, with mainly dry conditions. The FOX Forecast Center said the dust will be noticeable in the air. The U.S. Virgin Islands will also be affected. The U.S. Virgin Islands Department of Health warned residents about extreme temperatures and dust.

The Saharan Air Layer, a mass of dry, dusty air forming over the African desert, traveled more than 5,000 miles through the Caribbean and Atlantic. Strong winds loft this layer high into the atmosphere. The dry air typically suppresses the development of tropical storms. The FOX Forecast Center stated that the Saharan Air Layer heavily impacts Florida and portions of the Gulf Coast states.

The FOX Forecast Center warned that thick dust may impact air quality. Poor air quality may affect those sensitive to breathing conditions, they stated. The center also said the dust could act as a thermal blanket, potentially allowing temperatures to increase. The dust is forecast to remain around the Gulf Coast and Florida through most of the week beginning July 13, 2026. Portions of South Texas are forecast to experience the dust on July 13.

A weak tropical wave is dividing a larger area of dust deeper in the Atlantic. This wave is not expected to strengthen into a tropical system. As of July 9, the wave is too far east to trigger rain. However, a slight chance for scattered rain showers is forecast for July 10, as the wave moves west. Any broken rain bands are expected to struggle due to the surrounding dust. After the wave passes, a dry and hot pattern with pronounced haze is forecast to return.