Barbados Alert: Saharan Dust Haze Forecasted to Impact Island with Increasing Concentrations

A plume of Sahara dust haze has already begun to affect Barbados and its marine area from today and is expected to persist across the island with an increase in concentrations over the weekend.

Skies will appear slightly yellowish during the day and a reduction in visibility due to dust haze is expected over land and marine areas from as early as Friday 19th April.

Persons with respiratory issues or allergies must travel with, or have close at hand, all prescribed relevant medications in case of an emergency.

-Marine users should stay close to shore, particularly if GPS is not in use on vessels.

-The public is encouraged to monitor the BMS, DEM and GIS websites and their respective social media pages along with the local media networks for further updates. Additionally, advice provided by the Ministry of Health and Wellness should be followed.

A large plume of Saharan dust in the eastern Atlantic is currently affecting the island. Analysis indicates that dust concentrations are likely to increase over the weekend.

A plume of thick dust haze is forecast with visibility to reduce to less than 10 km over the land and coastal waters of Barbados during this haze event.

A dust-haze advisory is issued when dust haze has already or is forecast to reduce visibility to between 5 to 10km within 48 hours.