Why Houston loves and loathes Saharan dust

Context: A few times each year, trade winds carry sand from the Sahara across the Atlantic Ocean into the Gulf and over Southeast Texas.

Driving the news: A heavy plume is expected to reach Southeast Texas by Sunday and linger until early Wednesday, per the National Weather Service in Houston.

Threat level: Houston's air quality is forecast to be unhealthy for sensitive groups Monday, per the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality.

• Fine air pollutants like Saharan dust can reach deep into the lungs and have harmful long-term effects. Exposure to high concentrations can lead to aggravated asthma, an irregular heartbeat and other respiratory problems, the state agency says.
• Officials urge sensitive groups to monitor the latest air quality forecasts.

Yes, but: The Saharan dust will also make dawn and dusk a sight to behold.

• Dust particles in the sky will reflect sunlight and showcase vibrant sunrises and sunsets, meteorologists say.

The bottom line: Did you snap an awesome sunrise or sunset picture and want to share?

• 📬 Send it over to [email protected], and we might feature it in an upcoming edition of our daily newsletter.