SUMMARY: The absence of Saharan dust in the tropics has led meteorologists to question whether the rest of the 2023 hurricane season will follow its projected “near-normal” activity. Saharan dust, which stabilizes the atmosphere and prevents tropical activity, typically peaks from late June to mid-August. However, a lack of dust has allowed several tropical waves to form off the coast of Africa. Saharan dust has 50% less moisture than the typical tropical atmosphere, which can rip apart any tropical wave caught in its downdrafts. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) will continue monitoring the situation to improve future forecasts.

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