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Saharan Dust Cloud should have minimal impact on agriculture

A large cloud of dust and sand originating from Africa will move over parts of the US this week.

Brownfield Meteorologist Greg Soulje says this is not an uncommon event as winds shift from east to west. He says the size of the incoming Saharan Dust Cloud sets it apart as it is expected to reach the Gulf Coast, Tennessee Valley, Mississippi Valley and into Texas this week.  

“With the cloudier conditions there may be some fairly spectacular sunrises and sunsets from this particular matter and probably an increase in cloud cover as well as shower and thunderstorm activity.”

Soulje says some of the dust could reach the southern corn belt, but there is not much concern over health impacts to crops, animals, or humans.

“I would suspect for animals or humans there may be a little bit of pick up on some sense of an allergen related issue and maybe a little residue pick up on plants, something along those lines.”

He says the event will likely bring along a wetter, cloudy weather pattern that could increase plant disease and weed pressure.

Interview with Greg Soulje

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