Kalain Hosein
The battle of Saharan Dust and rainfall continues across T&T, and it seems Saharan Dust is winning.
Significant concentrations of Saharan Dust have blanketed the region since Monday evening, with peak concentrations set to end on Thursday.
According to the Environmental Management Agency’s Ambient Air Quality Monitoring Stations, air quality across the country indicates levels that are moderate to unhealthy for sensitive groups.
Moderate air quality index (AQI) levels have been recorded in Port-of- Spain and San Fernando.
At moderate levels, respiratory symptoms are possible in unusually sensitive individuals with possible heart or lung disease aggravation in people with cardiopulmonary disease and older adults. At this level, unusually sensitive people should consider reducing prolonged or heavy exertion.
There is an increasing likelihood of respiratory symptoms in sensitive groups at AQI levels that are unhealthy for sensitive groups, including older adults, children and people with respiratory ailments and allergies.
Aggravation of heart or lung disease and premature mortality in people with heart or lung disease are also possible.
People with heart or lung disease, older adults, children and people with respiratory ailments and allergies are also advised to reduce prolonged or heavy exertion.
Visibility across the country has also been markedly reduced, with minimum visibility recorded at seven kilometres at the ANR Robinson International Airport in Crown Point, Tobago.
In comparison, visibility dipped to six kilometres at Piarco International Airport.
Even with thick dust concentrations, rain and showers have occurred across the country, leading to “muddy rainfall.” The dust mixes with the rainfall and when it lands on the surface, it becomes a layer of dust and mud.
While Saharan Dust is forecast to stick around through the next two weeks, a gradual improvement in visibility and air quality is forecast this weekend.
