July 25, 2020July 25, 2020 by L. L. Coble

Saharan Dust Cloud: A Tale of Two Tropical Storms

Have a look at the effect of the Saharan dust event of 2020 on tropical storm and hurricane development…

Wednesday- Earlier in the week, Tropical Storm Gonzalo developed in the Atlantic Ocean along the south edge of a gap between two waves of Saharan dust. Forecast models predicted Gonzalo would strengthen to a hurricane as it moved west into the Caribbean Sea in the coming days. A tropical depression in the Gulf of Mexico was also being monitored. Should it intensify, it would be named Tropical Storm Hanna. (CIRA/NOAA image)

Thursday- Tropical Storm Gonzalo continues its westward track. Note the pinching of the two waves of Saharan dust around its north side. In the gulf, soon-to-be Tropical Storm Hanna gathers strength over the warm water, free of the convective restrictions imposed by Saharan dust. (CIRA/NOAA image)

Friday- Tropical Storm Gonzalo is caught in the pinch of Saharan dust, diminishing its potential for growth. The system’s feeder bands are nearly gone. The forecast is downgraded; Gonzalo is expected to remain a tropical storm during its passage through the Caribbean. Looking more robust, Tropical Storm Hanna approaches the coasts of Texas and Louisiana. (CIRA/NOAA image)

Saturday- With upper-level convection subdued by an overcast of Saharan particulates and dry desert air, Tropical Storm Gonzalo is becoming less organized and is forecast to be downgraded to a tropical depression within 24 hours. (CIRA/NOAA image)

Meanwhile, Tropical Storm Hanna has strengthen to Hurricane Hanna. A humid atmosphere free of a dense plume of Saharan dust has allowed this storm to develop towering cloud convection, visible here just off the coast of Texas. (CIRA/NOAA image)

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