Saharan Dust Surge Prompts Moderate Air Quality Alert for Antigua and Barbuda

The Antigua and Barbuda Meteorological Service has issued an Air Quality Bulletin warning that a new surge of Saharan dust is expected to reduce air quality across the country from Thursday morning through Saturday.

According to the bulletin issued at 9:45 p.m. Wednesday, air quality is forecast to fall into the moderate category due to elevated concentrations of particulate matter associated with what meteorologists described as the thirteenth notable Saharan dust event affecting Antigua and Barbuda so far this year.

The Air Quality Index is expected to range between 51 and 70, placing conditions at Alert Level II.

Forecasters said the overall health risk remains low for most people. However, individuals who are unusually sensitive to air pollution, including people with asthma and other respiratory conditions, are being urged to closely monitor forecasts and take necessary precautions.

The bulletin identified people with respiratory or heart disease, the elderly and children as the groups most at risk from the deteriorating air quality.

While air quality is considered acceptable under the moderate category, the Meteorological Service warned that a small number of people who are unusually sensitive to air pollution could experience health effects.

Officials are advising active children and adults, as well as people suffering from respiratory illnesses such as asthma, to limit prolonged outdoor exertion during the period of reduced air quality.

The Meteorological Service said it will continue to monitor conditions and provide updates through its website and social media platforms, as well as through local media outlets.

Saharan dust events are common in the Caribbean during the middle months of the year as dust-laden air masses travel westward from the Sahara Desert across the Atlantic Ocean, often resulting in hazy skies and reduced air quality throughout the region.