In November, Saharan Dust levels are, on average, at their lowest concentrations across the Atlantic Ocean. While dust levels are forecast to be fairly low over the next ten days, a short-lived surge is forecast from Thursday night through Saturday night, with another surge from early next week.
What you need to know
— Saharan Dust Surges: A brief and mild surge of dust is forecast to move across T&T starting Thursday night through Saturday night. After a brief period of no Saharan Dust, another surge, this time with mild to moderate concentrations, is forecast from Tuesday, December 3rd, 2024, through the end of next week.
— Impacts: Air quality is forecast to remain good to moderate throughout the forecast period.
— What Should You Do: Throughout the forecast period, sensitive groups are advised to take the necessary precautions, particularly during high traffic.
Current AQI Levels Across T&T
As of 3:00 PM Tuesday, November 26th, 2024, the official air quality monitoring stations from the Environmental Management Agency (EMA) at Point Lisas, Beetham outside of Port of Spain and Arima report good air quality, while the Signal Hill, Tobago, Toco and San Fernando stations are not currently transmitting PM2.5 or PM10 data.
Unofficial air quality monitoring stations at Longdenville and Woodbrook report 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.
Outside of rainfall, visibility, used as a proxy for Saharan Dust concentrations, has remained 10 kilometers at the A.N.R. Robinson International Airport at Crown Point, Tobago, and the Piarco International Airport, Trinidad, over the last 24 hours.
Saharan Dust Forecast For T&T
Through the forecast period, higher dust levels will remain offshore east of the Lesser Antilles.
Tuesday (Nov. 26th) through Thursday evening (Nov. 28th): There is little to no Saharan Dust across Trinidad and Tobago. Good air quality levels.
Thursday night (Nov. 28th) until Saturday night (Nov. 30th): Mild concentrations of Saharan Dust. Good to moderate air quality levels.
Sunday (Dec. 1st) through early Tuesday (Dec. 3rd): There is little to no Saharan Dust across Trinidad and Tobago. Good air quality levels.
Tuesday (Dec. 3rd) through Friday (Dec. 6th): Mild to moderate concentrations of Saharan Dust. Good to moderate air quality levels.
What does this mean for you?
Mild to moderate 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 still 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.
