The Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ), the passage of a tropical wave and trough systems, are forecast to keep Saharan Dust north and east of Trinidad and Tobago over the next several days. Though a mild surge is ongoing, rainfall associated with the ITCZ will limit air quality impacts.
What you need to know
— Saharan Dust Surges: A surge of Saharan Dust is moving across the Lesser Antilles with higher dust levels (still at overall mild concentrations) north of Trinidad and Tobago. Dust is forecast to move away from the area by Tuesday evening, with no major surges over the next 10 days.
— Impacts: Through the next seven to ten days, air quality levels across Trinidad and Tobago are forecast to be mainly at good levels.
— What Should You Do: Sensitive groups may need to take the necessary precautions, particularly during high-traffic periods. The general population will remain unaffected.
Current AQI Levels Across T&T
Though all official air quality monitoring stations from the Environmental Management Agency (EMA) are not reporting data at this time, unofficial stations across the country generally show good air quality.
These measurements are based on PM2.5 (particulates the size of 2.5 micrometers and smaller, usually associated with increases in Saharan Dust, vehicle exhaust, and smoke) and PM10 particulates.
Over the last 24 hours, visibility remained unaffected by Saharan Dust at the Piarco International Airport and the A.N.R. Robinson International Airport at Crown Point, Tobago.
Saharan Dust Forecast
Next Surge: None Over Next 10 Days
A mild-concentration surge of dust is moving across Trinidad, Tobago, and the remainder of the Lesser Antilles through today, Tuesday, November 8th, 2022 and is forecast to diminish by this evening.
Longer-range modeling shows no significant surges of dust affecting the country through the middle of November.
Air quality levels will fluctuate between good and moderate, primarily due to traffic.
What does this mean for you?
The air quality is forecast to be lowered primarily during high traffic periods, particularly between 6:00 AM and 9:00 AM and again from 3:00 PM through 6:30 PM.
We’re in a period where the Intertropical Convergence Zone, tropical waves, and occasional tropical cyclones may shield Trinidad and Tobago from the Saharan Dust events. While Tropical Waves play a notable role in moving dust across the Atlantic and the Eastern Caribbean, these periodic tropical waves also improve air quality.
The concentration of the dust that follows the wave depends on its strength as it moves off the West African Coast. This is because of stronger thunderstorms across Central Africa. As strong winds move downward and outward from these thunderstorms, the wind kicks up dust as it moves across parts of the Saharan Desert and transports it into the upper atmosphere. This “plume” of dust follows the axis of the wave as it progresses westward into the Atlantic.
Dust that makes it into the upper levels of the atmosphere can then get transported across the Atlantic Ocean. The plumes of dust eventually affect the Eastern Caribbean.
Larger, more concentrated plumes of Saharan dust begin in April and continue through November.
