- SVG Ministry of Health alert on Sharan Dust Pume
- Public Advised to Take Precautions as Saharan Dust Plume Nears St. Vincent
According to The Meteorological Services at the Argyle International Airport, an occasional film of haze is possible across our area today due to varying concentration of Saharan dust. A thick plume of Saharan dust is expected across the islands by late Tuesday, decreasing visibility across St. Vincent and the Grenadines with moderate-haze and thickening overnight with very poor visibility by Wednesday.
The Ministry of Health, Wellness and the Environment wishes to advise the public that particles contained within the Saharan dust haze could cause the following health effects:
a dry cough
sore throat
itchy, watery eyes
sneezing
runny nose
The anticipated concentrations of the Saharan dust may severely affect persons with respiratory diseases such as asthma and persons with pre-existing heart disease.
The elderly and children are also vulnerable currently. Persons with respiratory issues and allergies are asked to always keep with them all medications, including asthma inhalers, in case of emergency. Persons should limit their exposure to the Saharan dust by staying indoors when possible or wearing a dust mask if they must go outdoors.
Affected persons should seek medical attention at their nearest health care center if they experience severe symptoms because of increasing levels of Saharan dust.
More info
The Saharan Air Layer, also known as Saharan Dust, is made of sand, dirt, and other dust that is lifted into the atmosphere from the vast desert area that covers most of North Africa. This dust is carried in the African Waves which push westward into the Atlantic Ocean.
The Saharan Air Layer is a well-mixed dry pocket of air that usually resides between 5,000 and 15,000 feet above sea level. Since one of the key ingredients for tropical cyclone development is a deep feed of moisture, Saharan Dust often acts to inhibit tropical development.
Once a pocket a Saharan Dust begins moving westward over the Atlantic, it is relatively easy to track using infrared satellite products. This model combines the forecasted development and movement of the Saharan Air Layer with the GFS precipitation rate and pressure contours to depict the movement of the layer.
