News from...er...Dust Land?

From NASA, this image shows a dust storm blowing off the coast of Africa that is supposed to reach Florida today. According to local meteorologists, the affects will be minimal. We're supposed to have more vibrant sunrises and sunsets, but forecasters don't expect the storm to affect air quality. However, individuals with asthma and other respiratory problems might experience some difficulty as the dust makes its way over the peninsula. Story

Apparently, this is a common summer phenomenon. More about dust storms from NASA. Saharan dust also affects the intensity of Florida thunderstorms. Story from NASA

Here's a pretty cool slide show from NBC6.

And of course, no meteorological story would be complete without a complete disagreement among experts. Kevin Lollar of the News-Press says the Dust mass should miss us.

This is an image of a Sarahan dust storm over the Atlantic Ocean and Canary Islands taken on July 24, 2003. Courtesy: NASA

Meanwhile, in hurricane news, Tropical Storm Franklin spurs warnings for Bermuda and the last advisory is issued for Tropical Depression Gert as it dissipates over México.