Saharan Dust Plume Moves Across Illinois Tuesday

A massive Saharan dust cloud will move across Illinois on Tuesday, according to forecasters.

The Saharan Air Layer is a massive plume of dust from Africa, that has made its way across the Atlantic Ocean to the United States.

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AccuWeather forecasters said the dust will mostly likely "stay aloft," which is "good news for health concerns."

"However, the airborne dust can cause hazy conditions and sometimes colorful sunrises and sunsets," AccuWeather said.

The Weather Channel said the Saharan Air Layer typically ramps up in mid-June, and peaks in late June into mid-August.

"And at certain times, the dust can cover an area as large as the entirety of the lower 48 states," The Weather Channel said.

So, look out for hazy skies on Tuesday, and you might see a beautiful sunset this week from the dust.

The entire Chicago area will also continue to be impacted by a heat wave through Thursday.

Peak heat afternoon heat index values of 100 to 110 degrees will continue through Thursday, according to the National Weather Service. Storms could bring some relief from the heat on Thursday afternoon or evening.