Health and weather

Between roughly May and September, plumes of mineral dust cross the Atlantic from the Sahara and reach the Eastern Caribbean. Concentrations vary from a faint haze to episodes that noticeably reduce visibility and turn the sky milky white.

Dust episodes raise fine particulate levels. People with asthma, COPD, other respiratory conditions, and cardiovascular disease are most affected, and clinics typically see more presentations during and shortly after a significant plume.

On hot, humid days the heat index, the temperature it feels like, is a better guide to risk than the thermometer. Levels and what to do at each are explained on the heat index page.

Heat and dust guidance is developed alongside health authorities. The meteorological service provides the hazard forecast; health guidance on who is at risk and what to do comes from the Ministry of Health.