A massive Saharan dust plume, 2,000 miles wide, is blanketing parts of the Caribbean, impacting air quality and causing respiratory issues. The dust, traveling across the Atlantic, is expected to reach Florida and possibly Texas later this week, bringing hazy skies and potentially spectacular sunsets. While posing health risks, the dust also fertilizes the Amazon and inhibits hurricane formation by drying out the atmosphere. This year's plume is the strongest yet, coinciding with Canadian wildfire smoke impacting air quality across the US.

Prepared by Olivia Bennett and reviewed by editorial team.