African dust cloud spreads to Texas

AUSTIN (KXAN) - Hundreds of millions of tons of mineral dust are transferred thousands of miles through the atmosphere from Africa to the Caribbean and the Americas every year, said U.S. Geology Survey.

National Geographic said that the African dust clouds carry contaminants like metals, pesticides and microorganisms which have potential for polluting oceans in the Caribbean and southeastern U.S.

Friday

The dust clouds are spreading and will eventually cover much of the eastern half of Texas by the afternoon with possibly higher PM2.5 levels.

Particulate matter less than 2.5 micrometers in diameter are referred to as PM2.5. These particles are so small that they can go deep into lungs and cause breathing problems.

• KXAN's Weather forecast
   

There will be moderate PM2.5 levels over much of central and Southeast Texas and increasing levels over the course of the day as far as the Dallas-Ft. Worth area.

In other parts of the state, moderate winds and heavy cloud cover with rain should help to keep air quality in the good range.

Saturday

The African dust cloud should expand and cover much of the state with the exception of far West Texas as the clouds and rain help to keep the good air quality.

Higher PM2.5 levels are expected in parts of south, and Southeast Texas. Moderate levels will be present in Central Texas.

Lower PM2.5 levels are expected in Northeast Texas and West Texas.

Sunday

The African dust cloud will cover much of the state, with moderate fine particulate levels expected everywhere except for West Texas and Northeast Texas. PM2.5 levels should be on the lower side.