Ease up in Saharan dust expected

Barbadians can expect some relief for the next couple of days from the thick Saharan dust haze that blanketed the island earlier this week, with officials predicting a gradual improvement in air quality as the week progresses.

Speaking to Barbados TODAY on Tuesday, meteorologist and forecaster Junior Brathwaite of the Barbados Meteorological Services said, “Monday would have been the highest quantity of dust haze across the island. However, today and tonight we start to see… a gradual decrease in the days leading up until this weekend.”

He noted that while dust will return, it will not be as severe: “By Friday we should see dust haze again over the island, but it wouldn’t be as thick as we have seen earlier this week.”

During a separate press conference hosted by the Ministry of Health and Wellness at the Pan American Health Organisation office, Chief Medical Officer (CMO) Dr Kenneth George acknowledged that the Saharan dust tends to be “more an allergic-type phenomenon”.

He reminded the public to take precautions, especially those with underlying conditions. 

“We have always maintained that persons who have allergies, including asthma, [should] make sure they have the inhalers and make sure that they try where possible to remain indoors,” the CMO said.

The Saharan dust phenomenon, which originates from the Sahara Desert in Africa, typically affects the Caribbean between June and August, often aggravating health conditions and reducing visibility. (LG)