• Dirty rain is hitting parts of the U.S. as Saharan dust and storms combine across the Southeast.
• Air quality is dropping fast due to a mix of dust and wildfire smoke from Canada.
• Health alerts and weather warnings are in effect for millions across multiple states today.

A massive cloud of dust from the Sahara Desert is heading toward the southeastern United States. Strong winds in Africa picked up tiny sand and mineral particles. The winds pushed those particles thousands of miles across the Atlantic Ocean. Now, that huge dust cloud is reaching the U.S., and it’s bringing serious changes to the weather.

Meteorologists expect this cloud to mix with rain and create what they call “dirty rain.” This rain will likely fall across Florida, Georgia, Alabama, and the Carolinas. The combination of moisture and dust will make mud fall from the sky. Dirty rain can leave thick residue on cars, roads, and homes. The sight might look strange, but the health effects could be worse.

Breathing Problems Expected as Dust Drops Closer to the Ground

While most of the dust stays high in the air, not all of it will. Some of the dust particles are dropping closer to ground level. That poses a danger to people with asthma, allergies, or any other lung condition. These fine particles can get into the lungs and make it harder to breathe. Experts are warning people with breathing issues to stay indoors or wear masks.

Puerto Rico already felt the effects of the same dust cloud earlier this week. Officials there warned residents about poor air quality. That warning now extends to millions of people in the southeastern U.S. The first signs of the dust arrived in Florida on Wednesday. By Thursday, it will spread across much of the region.

This Year’s Saharan Dust Plume is Larger and Stronger Than Normal

Dust clouds from Africa are nothing new. They appear almost every summer, especially in June and July. But meteorologists say this one is bigger, thicker, and more dangerous than usual. It also arrived earlier than expected. AccuWeather’s lead hurricane expert Alex DaSilva said this is the biggest plume of Saharan dust so far in 2025. He noted it carries more fine particles and covers a wider area than in previous years.

Experts say the intensity of these plumes changes every year. However, they believe shifting wind patterns and climate change are making the dust clouds more frequent and more powerful. This year’s plume has forced meteorologists and health officials to stay alert and issue new warnings.

Dirty Rain Could Cover Millions as Storm System Meets Dust Cloud

Forecasters predict that a storm system will move through the Southeast at the same time the dust cloud spreads. This will likely create several days of “muddy rain.” Florida expects flash flooding and heavy thunderstorms, especially Wednesday night. As the storm continues moving north and east, more areas could see dirty rain falling from the sky.

This mix of weather events means roads could turn slick and dirty fast. Dirty rain may also lower visibility and make driving more dangerous. People across the Southeast should prepare for unusual weather, possible travel delays, and worsening air conditions.

Wildfire Smoke From Canada Makes Northern Skies Just as Dangerous

While the South deals with dust, the northern and central U.S. are facing another airborne threat. Thick wildfire smoke from Canada is pouring into the Dakotas, Minnesota, Illinois, and other Midwestern states. That smoke already lowered air quality to hazardous levels in several places.

AccuWeather reports smoke now covers large parts of Iowa, Nebraska, Montana, and Wisconsin. It will soon reach New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and New England. Many people will notice hazy skies and weaker sunsets. But in some areas, the smoke will drop low enough to cause serious breathing problems. That creates danger for people with lung conditions and for travelers.

Canadian Wildfires Continue to Fill the Sky With Smoke

Fires burning in provinces like Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, and British Columbia are sending smoke into the U.S. This reminds many people of last year’s events. In 2023, wildfire smoke from Canada turned skies orange and made New York City and other areas look apocalyptic. This year’s smoke is causing similar problems, especially in the Midwest.

Meteorologist Brandon Buckingham said some of the smoke will stay high in the sky. But other parts will drop lower and affect air quality on the ground. People in smoky areas may smell the fires, especially during rain. Rainfall can carry the smell and the particles straight to the ground. While the smell may be strong, rain also helps clean the air and improve breathing conditions.

Northern States May Suffer More as Summer Continues

Meteorologists say the smoke threat won’t end soon. Wildfires in Canada are still burning, and they may continue through summer. That puts northern states like North Dakota, Minnesota, Montana, Idaho, Oregon, and Washington at risk. These areas could face poor air quality for weeks or even months.

Both the Saharan dust and the wildfire smoke create major health and travel concerns. People across the U.S. should stay informed. They should check air quality alerts, listen to weather updates, and protect themselves if needed. The skies may look calm, but the air might not be safe to breathe.