Barbados issues Saharan Dust Haze Advisory till February 8

The dust-haze advisory comes into force when dust haze is forecasted to reduce its visibility to between 5 and 10 kilometres within 36 hours.

Tuesday, 6th February 2024

Pic courtesy: Barbados Meteorological Services/ Facebook

Barbados Meteorological Services (BMS) has issued an advisory as the Saharan Dust Haze continues to affect the island and its people. The advisory goes into effect on February 7, and it will be terminated on February 8 if conditions warrant. The dust-haze advisory comes into force when dust haze is forecasted to reduce its visibility to between 5 and 10 kilometres within 36 hours.

Hazard information

According to the BMS, a thick crest of Saharan Dust Haze is forecasted to affect Barbados throughout the week. It is expected to start with light to moderate concentration from February 6. Noting this, the forecast further indicated that the haze concentration will become dense on February 7, and it will continue to be at the same level on February 8 as well. The persons who suffer from respiratory issues are advised to be on alert as ‘concentrations are expected to gradually increase throughout the afternoon and will be on peak overnight.’ “Persons with respiratory issues or allergies should ensure that they travel with, or have close at hand, all prescribed relevant medications. Marine users should monitor the situation closely, along with the forecast for any further deterioration to the visibility”, added BMS. Meteorological department officials said that satellite observations and model data indicated that there will be some improvement from Tuesday’s afternoon. However, light to moderate fog will persist across the country and over the coastal region throughout the week.

Key takeaways

- Persons suffering from any respiratory issue or allergies are advised to follow necessary precautions and should travel with all prescribed relevant medications - Marine users should especially monitor the situation closely as visibility is expected to worsen - Consider wearing a face mask to protect yourself from dust particles - Choose easier outdoor activities like walking instead of running, so one can doesn’t breathe as hard - Have a rescue inhaler and all relevant medication Additionally, a thick plume of Saharan Dust has extended over the eastern and southern Caribbean, which is creating a haze over the regions. Dust carried by winds from the Sahara Desert in North Africa has affected countries from Suriname and Trinidad and Tobago in the south to Barbados and Saint Lucia in the east.

Saharan Dust may contain various particles which can produce symptoms such as:

Sore throat
A dry cough
Sneezing
Runny nose
Itchy and watery eyes

Moreover, affected persons should seek medical attention if they experience severe shortness of breath, persistent fever or a severe worsening of pre-existing conditions.