The wind has carried across the Atlantic a dense mass of sand particles suspended in the air. The great dust cloud originated in the Sahara and is causing visibility and breathing problems for some people in the Caribbean and Central America.
NASA recently warned of the presence of a meteorological phenomenon that is being a nuisance for several Caribbean countries. According to forecasts, soon it will also be for Central America.
Authorities on the island of Trinidad and Tobago, in the Lesser Antilles, have recommended that people with asthma and other respiratory illnesses take precautions.
In the case of Barbados, the huge dust cloud is causing visibility problems for ships, so a warning has been issued warning of the danger of sailing in these conditions. Additionally, the island’s Meteorological Office has issued a citizenship warning that will last until 18:00 local time.
The worst part is carried by the island of Antigua, where visibility problems come to impede the normal operation of VC Bird International Airport.
Looking ahead to the weekend, the unpleasant dust agglomeration is expected to drift west, so the National Center for Atmospheric, Oceanic and Seismic Studies in Honduras has issued a warning.
In details that, as of June 25, “significant concentrations of dust of around 100 micrograms per cubic meter will be seen that (…) will reduce the conditions for cloud formation and precipitation during that week, mainly between Thursdays and Friday.”
The sand particles, when breathed, can cause a dry cough, sore throat, itching, watery eyes, sneezing and runny nose.
