Sahara dust and heat raise health risks in the Caribbean

A new dust cloud from the Sahara is expected to arrive over the Caribbean later tonight, bringing higher concentrations of airborne particles through Wednesday and Thursday. The forecast for Puerto Rico predicts temperatures near 108 °F (44 °C) with strong east‑northeast winds, reduced visibility, and a moderate risk of rip currents. A weak tropical wave will add humidity and scattered showers, mainly over the southern islands, while marine conditions remain hazardous.

Health officials warn that the combination of intense heat and Saharan dust can aggravate respiratory conditions such as asthma, COPD, and pneumonia, and may cause skin irritation or dermatitis. Recommended precautions include staying well‑hydrated, wearing light clothing, limiting outdoor exposure between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., keeping homes clean with damp cloths, using protective eyewear, masks or wet scarves, and following medical treatments promptly.

These warnings apply across the affected Caribbean region, including Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republic, where residents are advised to monitor air quality alerts and heed any heat advisories that may be issued.