Mild to Moderate Saharan dust in T&T, TTMS shares

Trinidad and Tobago Meteorological Services (TTMS) forecasted mild to moderate Saharan dust concentration in the atmosphere. Sensitive groups such as children, older adults and those with respiratory illness are advised to take the necessary precautions.

A combination of long-period swells, elevated winds, spring tides and Saharan Dust can affect the marine conditions this weekend. Moreover, people of T&T may experience generally sunny, hazy and breezy weather despite some brief isolated showers. Noting this, the night will be fair but hazy.

Seas are detected to remain slight to moderate with waves near 1.0 m – 1.5 m in the open waters and it might remain below 1.0 m and occasionally choppy in sheltered areas.

Initially, there was a hazardous sea alert (Yellow Level) was in the effect however, fortunately the marine conditions are out of the risk.

The Saharan dust can have significant impact on the twin-island nation when the dust is transported across the Atlantic Ocean from the Saharan Desert.

Effects of Saharan Dust in T&T

The air quality has reduced due to the burst of dust, posing respiratory challenges especially for the people who are suffering from asthma and sinuses.

The hazy skies affect the tourism and travel due to lower air quality. Furthermore, such conditions can also impact weather by affecting sunlight absorption and scattering, which can alter temperature patterns.

Notably, the air quality in the nation remains unhealthy and mostly at moderate levels which cause risk to people, particularly children, old age group and pregnant women.

Many nationals took to their social media accounts (Facebook) to share the condition of their region due to Saharan Dust.

While reacting to the news, a person named Ann Mc Carthy commented, “Hot, humid with overcast between little bit of sun. it looks like it wants to rain but the wind blowing clouds away in Toco Region.”

Another person, by the name of Shalimar Khan wrote, “That Sahara dust is horrible…some of my friends eyes looked puffy and a bit swollen another friend nose started to bleed today cause of Sahara dust.. when I came home took two extra strength Panadol for congestion headache and puffy eyes… hoping the tablets knock me out.”