Huge Dust Storms Hurt Tropical Storms

This satellite image was taken a few days ago off the West African Coast. The filmy appearance is due to a huge amount of dust blowing from the deserts West into the Atlantic Ocean. This dry, dusty air squashes any tropical disturbances trying to form off the coast. Most peak season hurricanes get their start here! If this pattern persists into peak hurricane season in late August through early October, it could be another quiet season in the Atlantic. We'll have to wait and see!