Currently in Portland — March 23rd 2022

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After the weather gods administered a much-needed dose of Vitamin D to the Portland Metro today, clouds and dreary drizzle ascend to their ubiquitous throne once more tomorrow. Tuesday highs took a swing at 70°F, but the spring warmth strikes out for the week’s remaining innings with highs generally in the low 60s. For both Thursday and Friday afternoon, the raising of the cloud deck may raise our spirits and open the door to participation in outdoor plans. By Saturday, we’ll be back in the rain boots but on Sunday we may dodge the dodging of raindrops with a mainly dry day shaping up. — Lauren Casey

Remember the Mars-like Saharan dust we shared last week? Well, it could just help nourish the Earth.

The dust caught a ride on some strong winds and traveled across the Mediterranean, turning the air orange and coating surfaces across Europe. In Spain, the combination of dust-filled air and heavy rains led to what residents described as “raining mud”.  

That dust, while a nuisance to air quality, is actually rich in minerals and acts as a fertilizer, according to reporting from The Guardian. In fact, the dust can help to fight climate change. When Saharan dust lands in the Atlantic, it fertilizes microscopic phytoplankton, which in turn absorb massive amounts of carbon dioxide.