The Antigua and Barbuda Meteorological Service has issued an Air Quality Bulletin warning residents that a new surge of Saharan dust is expected to reduce air quality across the country from Thursday morning through Saturday.
According to Antigua News Room, the bulletin — issued at 9:45 p.m. Wednesday — forecasts air quality falling into the moderate category due to elevated concentrations of particulate matter. Meteorologists identified the event as the thirteenth notable Saharan dust occurrence affecting Antigua and Barbuda so far this year.
The Air Quality Index is expected to range between 51 and 70, placing conditions at Alert Level II. The overall health risk remains low for most people, however the Meteorological Service has urged individuals who are unusually sensitive to air pollution — including those with asthma and other respiratory conditions — to closely monitor forecasts and take necessary precautions.
The bulletin identified people with respiratory or heart disease, the elderly, and children as the groups most at risk from the deteriorating air quality. While conditions remain acceptable under the moderate category, officials cautioned that a small number of sensitive individuals could still experience health effects.
Authorities are advising active children and adults, as well as those suffering from respiratory illnesses such as asthma, to limit prolonged outdoor exertion during the affected period.
The Meteorological Service said it will continue monitoring conditions and will provide updates through its website, social media platforms, and local media outlets.
Saharan dust events are common across the Caribbean during the middle months of the year, as dust-laden air masses travel westward from the Sahara Desert across the Atlantic Ocean, typically producing hazy skies and reduced air quality throughout the region.
