‘Thick’ Saharan dust plume heading for the Caribbean; Barbados activates haze advisory
Gavin Riley / Our Today
administrator
The Barbados Meteorological Service is today (April 8) sounding the first warning bells, advising residents of adverse haze conditions as a thick plume of Saharan dust makes its way to the Caribbean.
The Barbadian Met Service, in its 8:00 am advisory, said that the dust haze is forecast to reduce visibility to between five to 10km within the next 36 hours.
Barbados, like several eastern Caribbean islands, was already under the shroud of a moderate dust haze since mid-February, when the first alert was raised.
The met service, however, indicated that the dust outbreak will negatively affect visibility and air quality conditions if trends continue.
“Residents and visitors should be aware of some slight reduction to visibility due to dust haze. Persons with respiratory issues or allergies should ensure that they travel with, or have close at hand, all prescribed medications,” the island’s weather authority advised.
Marine interests are also encouraged to monitor the situation closely, along with forecasts for any further deterioration.
For the time being, Jamaica and the rest of the western Caribbean will be spared as a high-pressure ridge is expected to dominate conditions.
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