The St. Vincent and the Grenadines Meteorological Services issued a comprehensive 72-hour weather outlook today, warning residents of a combination of reduced air quality due to Saharan dust and inclement weather from an approaching tropical wave.
Currently, varying concentrations of Saharan dust haze are crossing the islands, leading to a significant reduction in visibility and air quality. While the haze is expected to thin out starting early Saturday, forecasters warn that a thick plume is projected to return by Monday. Residents, particularly those with respiratory sensitivities, are strongly advised to take all necessary precautions during this period.
The Meteorological Service is also tracking a tropical wave expected to begin affecting the islands as Saturday progresses. Weather conditions are predicted to deteriorate by late Saturday evening with an increase in shower intensity.
The forecast for the next three days includes:
- Saturday, July 11th: Partly cloudy to cloudy conditions, remaining hazy and breezy with showers and isolated thunderstorms. A weather advisory is in place for residents to remain alert.
- Sunday, July 12th: Conditions will worsen to cloudy or overcast. Forecasters are warning of showers, thunderstorms, and potential excessive rainfall, urging the public to exercise extreme caution.
- Monday, July 13th: Some slight improvement is expected, with weather becoming fair to occasionally cloudy, though hazy conditions will persist with a few lingering showers.
Strong north-easterly trade winds, averaging 40 km/h with higher gusts, are currently impacting the region. Winds are expected to shift to an easterly direction on Saturday and Monday.
