Yellow alert for dust haze in Barbados due to low visibility

Bridgetown, Barbados: A ‘Yellow Alert’ has been activated for the haze level as a layer of moderate dust haze will reduce the visibility across the marine area and to a lesser extent across the island.

The information has been shared by Barbados Meteorological Services (BMS) and the officials cautioned people to take necessary precautions. Fishermen and small craft operators should take care of themselves as due to low visibility, seas are not safe.

The dust haze is forecasted due to Saharan dust in the atmosphere which is impacting the island. “There is currently a plume of dust haze in the Atlantic with the leading edge of very thick dust haze”, added BMS.

According to the reports, the model shows that the dust will be moved toward the north and will be depleted by the time when reaches the island. The residents are being warned to follow prescribed measures to avoid the effects of Saharan dust.

Patients suffering from asthma, chronic lung disease, heart disease, pneumonia and allergies are at high risk of being impacted. Special attention should be given to the elderly and small children as they are at high risk of getting sick.

During a haze event, some people may feel itching of the throat, coughing, watery and sore eyes, runny nose, frequent sneezing, breathing difficulty and shortness of breath.

One should stay hydrated as it will help the body to flush out any toxins absorbed by the lungs and skin. As per the weather reports, the people of Barbados may experience a few brief showers during the morning on Monday and it will turn to partly sunny during the afternoon.

The synopsis noted that the Atlantic high-pressure system will remain the dominant feature. The winds across Barbados are forecasted to be a moderate easterly breeze from 30 to 35 km/hour, which is equal to 19 to 22 mph.

Marine will remain smooth to moderate in open water with swells spanning from 1.0 to 2.0 meters i.e., 3 to 7 feet.