Amassive cloud of dust that has traveled thousands of milesfrom the Sahara Desert is expected to reach Florida as early as June 4 before spreading through the Gulf Coast and Southeast later in the week, forecasters said. Most of the dust, which is thought to be about 2,000 miles wide from west to east and 750 miles long from north to south, will remain high in the atmosphere and have little effect on air quality and health for most people, according to AccuWeather. Floridians could start to see hazy or colorful sunrises and sunsets midweek. "This is the biggest Saharan dust plume that we've seen so far this year. It is very common to see large plumes of Saharan dust coming across the Atlantic toward the United States in June and July," AccuWeather Lead Hurricane Expert Alex DaSilva said. "Many people will notice more colorful sunrises and sunsets, and a milky or hazy look in the sky." The dust cloud has covered the Caribbean islands on its way across the Atlantic toward the United States. In Puerto Rico earlier in the week, the cloud was dense and caused hazy skies,according tothe National Weather Service in San Juan. The plume is expected to reach south Florida by June 4, then push further north to the rest of Florida and parts of Georgia and South Carolina by June 5, according to AccuWeather. By the end of the week, it should reach several other Gulf Coast and Southeastern states including Louisiana, Mississippi and Alabama, AccuWeather reported. The dust is part of a phenomenon known as the Saharan Air Layer, a very dry, dusty mass of air that forms over the Sahara Desert during late spring, summer and early fall, according to theAtlantic Oceanographic and Meteorological Laboratory, part of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. The dust clouds move over the Atlantic Ocean every few days and can reach as far west as Texas. Saharan dust can have a big impact on storms in the United States, even suppressing hurricanes because of the warmth, dryness and strong winds (25-55 mph) associated with the Saharan Air Layer, the lab said. It can also suppress clouds and thunderstorms. Air in a Saharan Air Layer is about 50% less moist than a typical tropical atmosphere, causing weaker cyclones. "Some areas will experience their hottest days of the summer when the SAL's dry, dusty air is overhead and afternoon thunderstorms are being stifled," the lab's website reads. One of the most noticeable impacts is the vibrant sunsets and sunrises visible during a Saharan dust outbreak. A heavy amount of dust in the atmosphere enhances and prolongs the yellow and red hues we see as the sun's light passes through the atmosphere. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY:Massive Saharan Desert dust cloud is heading toward Florida