After midnight, Saharan Dust concentrations began to increase across Trinidad and Tobago, with moderate concentrations now present across both islands.
What you need to know
— Saharan Dust Surges: A mild to moderate concentration surge of Saharan Dust is present across Trinidad and Tobago and is forecast to linger across the region through, at minimum, June 25th, with an additional surge of dust arriving across the country on June 22nd. Generally, higher dust levels are forecast to remain north of Trinidad and Tobago.
— Impacts: Through the next seven to ten days, air quality levels across Trinidad and Tobago are forecast to remain between good and moderate levels.
— What Should You Do: Sensitive groups may need to take the necessary precautions, particularly during high-traffic periods and in the vicinity of bushfires.
Current AQI Levels Across T&T
The official air quality monitoring stations from the Environmental Management Agency (EMA) at San Fernando and Point Lisas are reporting moderate air quality levels at this time, while stations at Arima, Beetham, Port of Spain, and Signal Hill, Tobago, are not reporting PM2.5 or PM10 data at this time.
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 and smoke at the A.N.R. Robinson International Airport at Crown Point, Tobago, and the Piarco International Airport, Trinidad.
Saharan Dust Forecast
Dust is forecast to remain through the next 10 days
The surge of Saharan Dust that arrived across T&T and the Eastern Caribbean region late Wednesday, June 14th, 2023, is forecast to linger over the next 10 days at mild to moderate concentrations. Another reinforcing surge of dust is forecast to arrive by June 22nd, ahead of a low-pressure system that is forecast to track well north of T&T, potentially moving across the northern Windwards/Leewards by June 23rd into the 24th.
Through the next seven to ten days, air quality levels across Trinidad and Tobago are forecast to remain between good and moderate levels, with occasional improvement during the passages of tropical waves.
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 and 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.
