Dust haze advisory lifted as air slowly clears

A thick plume of Saharan dust that has affected Barbados for several days has begun to clear, prompting the Barbados Meteorological Services to lift a dust haze advisory, although brisk winds continue to pose risks at sea.

In an update issued on Monday, meteorologist David Harding said dust concentrations across Barbados and its marine area had fallen enough to improve visibility and no longer warrant the advisory.

“There has been a reduction in Sahara dust concentrations across Barbados and its marine area today, resulting in an improvement in visibility,” Harding said. “As it no longer meets the criteria for an advisory, the Barbados Meteorological Services has discontinued the dust haze advisory effective immediately.”

While dust levels have improved, Harding cautioned that breezy conditions continue to affect the island and surrounding waters, meaning marine interests should remain vigilant.

“Fresh breezes continue to affect the island and surrounding waters. Therefore, a small craft advisory remains in effect for Barbados for high winds,” he said.

According to the met office, a moderate layer of dust haze is still expected to linger across the island over the next day or so, although further improvement is forecast thereafter. Slight concentrations of dust are likely to remain present throughout the rest of the week.

Harding explained that the Atlantic high-pressure system continues to generate winds ranging from 15 to 23 knots (about 28 to 43 km/h) across the tropical Atlantic. Some relief is expected soon.

“Wind speeds have fluctuated over the past 24 hours. However, a decrease in wind speed is expected from [Tuesday] as a mid-level trough approaches the region.”

The forecaster warned that conditions at sea could remain challenging for operators of smaller vessels due to the elevated wind speeds.

“The operation of smaller vessels can be difficult at times due to high wind speeds,” Harding noted.

(SB)