A plume of Saharan dust haze is currently affecting Barbados and the marine area.
A dust-haze advisory is issued when dust haze has already or is forecast to reduce visibility between five and 10km within 48 hours, according to Barbados Meteorological Services.
“The dust haze plume has started to move across Barbados from the early hours of this morning, reducing visibility slightly . . . . However, the thicker section of the plume still remains just east of Barbados and is expected to move across the area this afternoon. This will result in a further reduction in visibility . . . this afternoon and into tonight,” a statement from the Met Office said.
“Satellite imagery products this morning have shown some slight diffusion of the plume which was also predicted by model guidance over the past 24 hours or so.”
The Met Office said further diffusion is likely this afternoon and into tonight. The advisory will only be in effect for this afternoon and maybe extended into tonight by later this evening if conditions warrant.
Conditions should improve by Monday as most of the dust haze would have moved out of the area.
Residents, visitors, and marine users should be prepared as a significant reduction in visibility is likely. People with respiratory issues or allergies should ensure that they travel with, or have close at hand, all prescribed medications.
Marine users should monitor the situation closely for any further deterioration.
For more information specific to your area, please visit: https://www.barbadosweather.org/dustHazeBarResp.php or the social media pages of Barbados Meteorological Services. (PR)
