A Saharan dust cloud arrives in Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands amid a heat wave. Although most of the dust is hardly noticeable, the particle concentration could reduce visibility, and air quality, increasing the risk of respiratory health effects on sensitive and vulnerable groups.

Plumes of Saharan Dust from Africa’s Sahara Desert typically reach the Caribbean during late spring and summer (May-August), transported by easterly winds.

To monitor seasonal aerosols, particularly Saharan Dust affecting our region, visit CARICOOS Aerosol Monitoring Tool (https://aerosols.caricoos.org/#!?detail=modelinfo). To check the active alerts for heat risk, visit the National Weather Service tool (https://www.weather.gov/sju/heat_risk).