This time of year winds from the Sahara Desert in Africa ramp up and can carry the dust all the way to the Caribbean and the Gulf of Mexico. The dust can be seen reflected in hazy skies and Florida’s colorful sunrises and sunsets this time of year. According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, the Saharan Air Layer, or SAL, has unique properties of warm, dry air and strong winds that can work to suppress hurricane formation and intensification.
You can learn more about SAL at NOAA's website.