Sahara dust warning upgraded as severe haze blankets island

Meteorologists on Monday issued a severe dust haze warning as a significant Sahara dust plume intensifies over the island, upgrading an earlier advisory issued on Sunday.

The Barbados Meteorological Service (BMS) announced the heightened alert as visible hazy conditions worsened across the country, with forecasters predicting further deterioration overnight.

“Current model guidance indicates a further increase in dust concentration as night approaches”, the BMS said in its latest bulletin. 

The severe conditions are expected to persist “throughout tonight, Monday, December 23, into tomorrow, Tuesday, December 24, 2024”.

Health officials have advised those with respiratory conditions or allergies to keep prescribed medications readily available during the dust event.

Maritime safety concerns have also prompted authorities to caution marine users and smallcraft operators to remain close to shorelines, particularly when not using GPS navigation systems.

The meteorological service will provide an updated assessment by 6 p.m., on Tuesday, with the possibility of earlier revisions should conditions change significantly. (BT)