Saharan Dust levels continue to remain high north of T&T and across much of the Atlantic, with concentrations set to increase across T&T this week, trailing tropical waves.
What you need to know
— Saharan Dust Surges: Now through Monday night, mild dust levels are forecast and higher concentrations favoring Tobago. From Tuesday morning, moderate dust levels are forecast T&T, with a higher concentration surge by mid-Thursday, lingering through mid-August
— Impacts: Air quality is forecast to remain good to moderate throughout the forecast period.
— What Should You Do: In times of unhealthy air quality, everyone should take the necessary precautions. Throughout the forecast period, sensitive groups are advised to take the necessary precautions, particularly during high traffic and in the vicinity of fires.
Current AQI Levels Across T&T
As of 4:00 PM Saturday, August 3rd, 2024, the official air quality monitoring stations from the Environmental Management Agency (EMA) at Arima, Point Lisas, and Toco all report good air quality, while Signal Hill and Beetham are not currently transmitting PM2.5 or PM10 data.
Unofficial air quality monitoring stations at Longdenville, St. Augustine, and Woodbrook are reporting 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 has remained at 10 kilometers at the A.N.R. Robinson International Airport at Crown Point, Tobago and at the Piarco International Airport, Trinidad.
Saharan Dust Forecast For T&T
This upcoming week, Tropical Wave 27 and the Intertropical Convergence Zone are forecast to limit high dust levels across the country through Monday night. As a high-pressure system rebuilds across T&T in Tropical Wave 27’s wake, Saharan Dust is forecast to return at higher concentrations.
Saturday (August 3rd) through Monday night (August 5th): Generally little to mild concentrations of Saharan Dust across both islands, with generally good air quality.
Tuesday (August 6th) through Wednesday (August 7th): Generally moderate concentrations of Saharan Dust across T&T and the Lesser Antilles, with higher dust levels north of T&T. Air quality levels generally at good to moderate levels.
Thursday (August 8th) through Wednesday (August 14th): Generally moderate to high concentrations of Saharan Dust across T&T and the Lesser Antilles, with higher dust levels north of T&T. Air quality levels generally at moderate levels.
What does this mean for you?
Elevated concentrations of Saharan Dust periodically over the next seven to ten days are likely to bring air quality to moderate levels, chiefly affecting the most sensitive groups of the population. The general public is not required to take action.
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 are notable 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.
