Barbados Dust Haze Advisory Remains in Effect as Saharan Dust Plume Affects Island

A significant dust haze advisory remains in effect for Barbados as a large plume of Saharan dust in the Atlantic is currently affecting the island. The Barbados Meteorological Services (BMS) is closely monitoring the situation and has issued the dust haze advisory, warning that the thick blanket of dust is plunging air quality to unhealthy levels for some people.

Persons sensitive to changes in air quality, especially those with respiratory problems and allergies, are advised to take necessary precautions as they are likely already feeling the effects of the Saharan dust. Substantial concentrations of the dust are expected to persist throughout the week, according to the BMS.

In addition to the dust haze, a trough system is currently affecting Barbados and is likely to generate heavy showers. This has led the BMS to issue a flash flood warning for northern districts of the island. However, the BMS has also discontinued a previous flash flood watch, indicating that the overall threat of flash flooding has diminished.

Why this matters: The presence of the Saharan dust plume not only affects air quality and poses health risks to sensitive individuals in Barbados, but also highlights the broader challenges faced by Small Island Developing States. Prime Minister Mia Mottley and UN Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammed have raised concerns about the difficulties these nations face in restructuring debt while still providing essential services to their populations in the face of environmental and economic pressures.

The dust haze advisory for Barbados is part of a wider weather pattern affecting the Caribbean region. The BMS has marked a disturbance near Africa as the first tropical wave of this year. Neighboring islands Trinidad and Tobago and the Southern Windwards are also experiencing moderate to high concentrations of Saharan dust as of April 25, 2024.

"Significant concentrations of Saharan dust are expected to persist throughout the week," stated the Barbados Meteorological Services in their advisory. The BMS continues to monitor the situation closely and will provide further updates and warnings to the public as necessary regarding both the dust haze and potential flash flooding from the current trough system affecting the island.

Key Takeaways

• Barbados under Saharan dust haze advisory, air quality unhealthy for some.
• Trough system brings heavy showers, flash flood warning for northern districts.
• Saharan dust plume poses challenges for Small Island Developing States.
• Neighboring islands also experiencing moderate to high Saharan dust levels.
• Significant dust concentrations expected to persist throughout the week.