Saharan Dust Event Set to Affect U.S. Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico

Starting Tuesday, the National Weather Service (NWS) in San Juan has forecasted a significant plume of Saharan dust to reach Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. This event, categorized as moderate to severe, is expected to persist until at least Thursday, bringing various environmental and health challenges.

Residents in the affected areas should prepare for hazy skies and diminished visibility during the dust event. The NWS has reported that the dust plume, originating from the Sahara and Sahel deserts in Africa, will travel over 5,000 kilometers across the Atlantic Ocean, notably degrading air quality in the Caribbean.

The Saharan dust contains mineral particles that serve as a natural fertilizer for ecosystems but also pose health risks. The V.I. Department of Health warns that the dust can worsen existing health conditions, especially for immunocompromised individuals, the elderly, and young children. Health experts have observed increased respiratory issues during Saharan dust events, such as sinusitis, allergies, asthma, and bronchitis.

Common symptoms linked to Saharan dust exposure include:

• Nose and throat irritation
• Sinusitis
• Allergies
• Asthma exacerbation
• Eye and skin irritation
• Acute bronchitis
• Risk of respiratory infection

To mitigate health risks during the dust event, residents are advised to:

• Keep necessary medications on hand
• Stay hydrated and wear light clothing
• Avoid outdoor activities whenever possible
• Use face masks and eyeglasses to protect against dust particles

The NWS will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates as necessary.

For the latest satellite imagery of the Tropical Atlantic and to track the dust plume’s progression, the public can view updates here.