It can affect air quality and may cause health problems for certain individuals.

Meteorologist Dave Osterberg from FOX 13 says that Saharan dust has an impact on the weather by drying out the air.

"What it tends to do is stifle the chances of rain. When these clouds try to form and rise, they encounter the drier and more stable air, and usually, the chances of rain decrease", said Osterberg.

Therefore, when Saharan dust is present, the likelihood of rain decreases, while temperatures increase.

Saharan dust originates from the Sahara Desert in North Africa. Storms and cyclones can produce high-speed wind currents that lift the dust and transport it thousands of kilometers through the air.

The dust can travel around the globe, reaching parts of Europe, South America, Central America, the Caribbean and the United States.

Doctors also warn that Saharan dust can cause allergy-like symptoms. The dust contains particles that can be irritating, especially for more sensitive groups, such as the elderly or children.

Therefore, you may feel the need to cough or develop allergy-like symptoms.

"We're breathing in silica and other dust particles, and that can irritate your eyes, nose, throat, and certainly your lungs, making breathing a little more difficult, especially if you're someone with any type of respiratory condition", said Dr. Amber Stephens from Optum Medical Group, according to fox13news.com.

Symptoms may feel like allergies, but they cannot be alleviated with the usual antihistamine treatment.

Both doctors and meteorologists say that the best thing you can do is to limit your time spent outside.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has stated that Saharan dust can be harmful to human health.

Particles can be inhaled and enter the lungs and bloodstream, potentially triggering asthma attacks in individuals with respiratory issues and exacerbating other respiratory conditions. Saharan dust worsens air quality and increases the level of particles in the air.

Those most likely to experience health problems due to exposure to Saharan dust are children, the elderly, individuals with underlying lung conditions and people with chronic cardiopulmonary diseases, according to cdc.gov.

If you have asthma, Saharan dust can worsen your symptoms. While larger particles in Saharan dust can irritate the skin and eyes, smaller particles can be inhaled and cause respiratory disorders and cardiovascular problems.

Saharan dust affects air quality, so when pollution levels are high, several protective measures need to be taken. For example, spend more time indoors and avoid physical exertion.