The Trinidad and Tobago Meteorological Service (TTMS) is advising there is a significant concentration of Saharan dust present in the atmosphere today, and as such, persons who are sensitive to this change in air quality should take necessary precautions.
According to the Met Service forecast, today will be generally sunny, hazy and at times breezy, despite one or two brief showers, which may bring some relief where the Sahara dust event is concerned. Hazy conditions will persist into tonight.
At present, the Air Quality Index (AQI) for the Point Lisas area is GOOD at 44 (recorded at 11 am), so people can safely enjoy their outdoor activities.
For Port of Spain, San Fernando and Tobago, as at 11 am, the AQI was recorded as MODERATE:
● Port of Spain has an AQI of 100
● San Fernando has an AQI of 82
● Tobago has an AQI of 63.
This means respiratory symptoms are possible in unusually sensitive individuals. In addition, there could be possible aggravation of heart or lung disease in people with cardiopulmonary disease and older adults. Unusually sensitive people are advised to consider reducing prolonged or heavy exertion.
In the past, the Ministry of Health has advised persons who already have lung conditions, like asthma, to stay indoors, when possible, and have their rescue inhaler with them at all times. It is advice to which such persons should adhere, today.
According to the Met Service, increased Sahara Dust events will be combining with less rainfall than usual during the 2022 Dry Season, with the driest period expected to be between February and April.
In its outlook for this year, the Met Service warned that an increase in surface dryness as the season progresses will increase the potential for bush/grass/forest and landfill fires, which can deteriorate the air quality and stress persons with sensitive respiratory conditions.
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About the Air Quality Index (AQI)
The Air Quality Index is a number used by government agencies to communicate to the public how polluted the air currently is or how polluted it is forecast to become. As the AQI increases, an increasingly large percentage of the population is likely to experience increasingly severe adverse health effects.