Saharan dust prompts local air quality alerts

Saharan dust has made its way back to Texas, leading local and state agencies to issue alerts regarding air quality.

In Round Rock, fine particulate matter in the air resulting from widespread African dust, has reached levels the Environmental Protection Agency considers “unhealthy for sensitive groups.” Children, seniors, adults with chronic respiratory conditions, and people who work outdoors can experience health impacts from prolonged time outdoors today, particularly if they are being active.

Air quality across the entire state is expected to be impacted by the influx of dust through the rest of this week, with the heaviest dust forecast to shift further inland into western portions of Central and North Central Texas and extending as far as the Big Bend, Permian Basin, and South Plains regions.

For a complete air quality forecast, visit the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality website here: https://www.tceq.texas.gov/airquality/monops/air-mon

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