Meteorological conditions play a significant role in the dispersion and generation of dust in and around the town of Port Hedland.
The Pilbara region is an arid environment experiencing subtropical climatic conditions. Dry conditions and strong winds will result in higher level of dust emissions from industry and natural sources.
Dust emissions will also have a greater radius of impact during periods of stronger wind speeds due to dust remaining suspended in the air for longer periods and therefore being carried further distances.
The prevailing wind conditions during the wet and dry seasons of northern Australia can be variable.
The variability in the wind speed and wind direction in Port Hedland will result in variation of dust emissions and in the areas potentially affected by dust.
Wet conditions assist in the suppression of dust.