The US National Weather Service is sounding an alarm for the entire Caribbean as a dense plume of Saharan dust continues to induce dry and hot conditions across the region today (June 25). 

The dust plume, which began affecting the US Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico on Monday, is expected to remain across the region until June 27.

The Saharan air layer (SAL) consists of a mixture of sand and dust from the Sahara desert transported by trade winds across the Atlantic Ocean, travelling some 5,000 km to the Caribbean.

Sharan dust is said to have unique properties of warmth, dry air, and strong winds that can have significant moderating impacts on tropical cyclone formation and intensification, according to the National Weather Service.

The dust particles can, however, exacerbate the health conditions of vulnerable and sensitive groups, especially those with respiratory challenges.

Symptoms associated with Saharan dust include nose irritation, throat irritation, sinusitis, allergies, eye and skin irritation, asthma exacerbations, and others.

Vulnerable citizens are being urged to take their medication, wear light clothing, use face masks and eyeglasses, and avoid outdoor activities.