(CMR) The Cayman Islands National Weather Service (CINWS) has confirmed there is an intrusion of Saharan Dust in the Caribbean.
On Friday, CINWS advised that visibility was primarily reduced by salt spray in the atmosphere due to strong southeasterly winds over the Central Caribbean, but Saharan dust was expected to move into our area and linger for the next few days.
Saharan dust plumes are usually sufficiently high up in the atmosphere that they are entirely harmless to almost everyone except to some persons with serious respiratory conditions such as COPD and asthmatics.
The dust is a seasonal occurrence that originates in the Bodele Depression in Africa and it has a vital role in providing nutrients to the coral reefs and the forests including the Amazon. These dust plumes pass by the Cayman Islands every year.
Residents who are concerned about the dust can limit their time outdoors and wear a mask. It is likely that rain showers early next week will help remove some of the dust in the atmosphere around the Cayman area.
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