Trinidad and Tobago, as well as the remainder of the Lesser Antilles, are forecast to see high concentrations of Saharan Dust this week. Dust concentrations began increasing across T&T as early as 2:00 a.m. on Tuesday, with higher concentrations observed across the remainder of the Lesser Antilles, north of Trinidad and Tobago.
Our next period of respite is forecast this weekend, when Tropical Wave 10 moves across the Lesser Antilles between Saturday and Sunday. However, the dust is expected to return by mid-Sunday.
What you need to know
— Saharan Dust Surges: An ongoing surge of Saharan Dust is forecast to persist through late Friday, June 27th, 2025. Another moderate to high concentration surge of Saharan Dust is forecast to arrive by mid-Sunday, but this is forecast to be short-lived as the ITCZ drifts northward late Tuesday, July 1st, into July 2nd. A more prolonged surge of dust arrives by late July 3rd into July 4th.
— What Should You Do: Unusually sensitive groups are advised to take necessary precautions, while the general public remains mostly unaffected over the next seven to 10 days.
Current AQI Levels Across T&T
As of 6:00 PM, Tuesday, June 24th, 2025, the official air quality monitoring stations from the Environmental Management Agency (EMA) at Beetham outside of Port of Spain, and San Fernando report air quality that are good to moderate levels while all other stations (Signal Hill, Toco, Arima, Point Lisas) are not currently transmitting PM2.5 or PM10 data.
Unofficial air quality monitoring stations at Longdenville and Woodbrook report air quality levels that are good to moderate.
These measurements are based on PM2.5 (particulates smaller than 2.5 micrometers in size, typically 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, at the A.N.R. Robinson International Airport at Crown Point, Tobago, and Piarco, fluctuated between 6 and 10 kilometers over the last 24 hours.
Saharan Dust Forecast For T&T
June 24th through June 27th: High concentrations of Saharan Dust with air quality levels generally remaining at moderate levels through June 27th, with horizontal visibility reduced as low as 6 kilometers.
June 28th through June 29th (mid to late afternoon): Little to no Saharan Dust. Air quality at good levels.
Late June 29th through early July 1st: Moderate to high concentrations of Saharan Dust with air quality levels mainly near moderate levels.
July 1st through late July 2nd: Little to no Saharan Dust. Air quality at good levels.
What does this mean for you?
Generally, over the next 10 days, air quality levels are forecast to be at mainly moderate levels, with periods of good air quality during the passages of the ITCZ or tropical waves. Between June 24th and 25th, air quality could dip to levels considered unhealthy for sensitive groups due to the high levels of dust.
We’re now 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.
Peak dust concentrations climatologically occur during June across the Main Development Region of the Atlantic, just east of Trinidad and Tobago.
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, they kick up dust as they move across parts of the Saharan Desert and transport it into the upper atmosphere. This “plume” of dust follows the axis of the wave as it progresses westward into the Atlantic.
Dust that enters the upper levels of the atmosphere can then be 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.
