The Kentucky Department for Public Health has issued an air quality warning for this weekend into next week as an enormous cloud of dry and dusty air that originated over the Sahara Desert will move across the southern United States over the next three to seven days.
This type of dust plume, known as the Saharan Air Layer, is an annual phenomenon in the late spring, summer and early fall. The most recent cloud is unusually large. It is one of the thickest on record and nearly 5,000 miles long, according to a news release. That means it could have a significant negative impact on air quality when it moves over Kentucky.
Officials say poor air quality can aggravate those suffering from respiratory conditions such as asthma and COPD. It can also pose health risks for seniors and young children.
Dust particles in the air may cause people to experience eye irritation, lung and throat irritation and trouble breathing.
To help prevent health-related issues; people can continue wearing masks as they have been advised to in the pandemic; keep windows and doors closed when possible and run the air conditioner if you have one; and call a doctor if pre-existing respiratory issues worsen.