And, could reasonably reach unhealthy for sensitive groups; hence, the threat of health problems is medium, for mainly unusually sensitive people, such as asthmatics and could potentially cause them significant impacts.

That’s according to an Air Quality Bulletin issued by the Antigua and Barbuda Meteorological Services today, Saturday October 9, 2021.

It went on to say that everyone should exercise caution, especially sensitive groups such as active children and adults, and people with heart or respiratory disease, such as asthma, should limit time outdoors and restrict outdoor activity. Also, keep windows and doors closed, as much as possible, and wear a face mask, rated to filter out PM 2.5, when going outside.

The bulletin below:

Air Quality Index Based on Particulate Matters 2.5 (PM2.5) and 10 (PM10) ConcentrationT

iming: Until tonight

Synopsis: The air quality is at moderate levels as a result of particulate matters 2.5 and 10, associated with a surge in Saharan Dust. Although the air quality is moderate, it could reasonably reach unhealthy for sensitive groups; hence, the threat of health problems is medium, for mainly unusually sensitive people, such as asthmatics and could potentially cause them significant impacts.

Air quality index: 60 to 100 Alert Level: II

Sensitive groups: People with respiratory or heart disease, the elderly and children are the groups most at risk.

Health implications: Air quality is acceptable; however, for some pollutants there may be a moderate health concern for a very small number of people who are unusually sensitive to air pollution.

Dale Destin

Reposted from @The Department of Management Agency in the British Virgin Islands, BVI.

According to the Antigua and Barbuda Meteorological Services, the Air Quality is forecast to worsen today, Saturday, across Montserrat associated with a fresh surge in Saharan Dust.

During dust events where concentrations are high, people are advised to limit dust entering their system as best as possible through the use of masks and protective eye wear. Any mask that filters small particles should be used like: Surgical Mask, N95, P95, P99, KN95.

The conditions of the constant dusty flow can cause allergic reactions like itchy & watery eyes, runny nose, scratchy throat, dry cough ,post-nasal drainage and sneezing.

For those that suffer from congestion, dry cough, and sneezing, doctors recommend creating a more humid environment through a humidifier or inhaling steam as you lean over a container of hot water, taking slow and deep breaths.

For those that suffer from sore throats, in addition to medication if the case is severe, using two teaspoons of honey can aid in the soothing of your throat.

Remaining hydrated is also important. Using fresh aloe gel, mixed with fresh citrus juice provides for a great dust remedy. The anti-inflammatory agents can soothe irritation in the throat and nose, especially if you’ve been coughing.

Source: The Department of Management Agency in the British Virgin Islands, BVI

Photo Credits: #SkyTower

In a recently issued Air Quality Bulletin, the Antigua and Barbuda Meteorological Services said although the air quality is at moderate levels, the threat of health problems is elevated, for mainly unusually sensitive people, such as asthmatics. The worst conditions are expected, today Saturday.

The Disaster Management Coordination Agency, DMCA, is appealing to children, the elderly and those living with respiratory and heart disease to have their medications on hand, wear a mask when outside and reduce physical exertion outdoors.

The full statement below:

Air Quality Index Based on Particulate Matters 2.5 (PM2.5) and 10 (PM10) Concentration

Air quality category: Moderate

Timing: Until Sunday

Synopsis: The air quality is at moderate levels as a result of particulate matters 2.5 and 10, associated with a fresh surge in Saharan Dust. The threat of health problems is elevated, for mainly unusually sensitive people, such as asthmatics. The worst conditions are expected on Saturday.

Air quality index: 60 to 90 Alert Level: II

Sensitive groups: People with respiratory or heart disease, the elderly and children are the groups most at risk.

Health implications: Air quality is acceptable; however, for some pollutants there may be a moderate health concern for a very small number of people who are unusually sensitive to air pollution.

Caution: Active children and adults, and people with respiratory disease, such as asthma, should limit prolonged outdoor exertion.

Dale Destin

The Disaster Management Coordination Agency, DMCA, is therefore, appealing to children, the elderly and those living with respiratory and heart disease to have their medications on hand, wear a mask when outside and reduce physical exertion outdoors.

BELOW: THE WEATHER FORECAST FOR MONTSERRAT – SATURDAY OCTOBER 9, 2021…

Synopsis: Hazy and dry conditions continue across the Leeward Islands which include MONTSERRAT. Meanwhile, an approaching tropical wave, will heighten the chances for cloudiness and showers on Sunday.

Weather today: Partly cloudy and hazy with a 20% or slight chance of showers.Winds: East at 9 to 18 mph, with possible gusts up to 30 mph..

Seas: 5 to 6 feet.

Sunset today: 5:52 pm.Temperatures: daytime high to reach 33°C or 91°F.

Remember, the weather can change at a moment’s notice, Stay Ahead! Events such as flash floods can occur with little or no warning due to prolonged rain, rain showers in the higher elevations and the soil already saturated.

Weather Report: Antigua and Barbuda Meteorological ServicesOrvin Paige-Forecaster

Activity at the Soufrière Hills Volcano remains low.

The seismic network recorded five volcano-tectonic earthquakes and two rockfalls this week.

Measurements of the SO2 flux were made by helicopter on 07 October. There were eight traverses with an average flux of 325 tonnes per day.

Due to the large size of the lava dome, pyroclastic flows can occur at any time without warning on any side of the volcano, including Gages from where they can travel rapidly into Plymouth. Tracks across the Belham Valley can be destroyed or heavily modified by flash flooding or lahars, and caution should be exercised crossing the valley during and after rainfall.

The Hazard Level is 1. There is no public access to Zone V, including Plymouth. Maritime Zones E and W are daytime transit only between sunrise and sunset (boats may sail through the zone but must not stop). Anyone who ignores these restrictions is liable to be prosecuted.

Weather Report: Graham A. Ryan, Director, MVO

Photo Credits: Island of Montserrat

According to an Air Quality Bulletin issued by the Antigua and Barbuda Meteorological Services on Thursday, October 7, 2021, the threat of health problems is elevated, for mainly unusually sensitive people, such as asthmatics. The worst conditions are expected on Saturday.

The Disaster Management Coordination Agency, DMCA, continues to encourage children, the elderly and those living with respiratory and heart disease to have their medications on hand, wear a mask and reduce physical exertion outdoors.

Air Quality Index Based on Particulate Matters 2.5 (PM2.5) and 10 (PM10) Concentration.

Air quality category: Moderate

Timing: Until Sunday

Synopsis: The air quality is at moderate levels as a result of particulate matters 2.5 and 10, associated with a fresh surge in Saharan Dust. The threat of health problems is elevated, for mainly unusually sensitive people, such as asthmatics. The worst conditions are expected on Saturday.

Air quality index: 60 to 90 Alert Level: II

Sensitive groups: People with respiratory or heart disease, the elderly and children are the groups most at risk.

Health implications: Air quality is acceptable; however, for some pollutants there may be a moderate health concern for a very small number of people who are unusually sensitive to air pollution.

Caution: Active children and adults, and people with respiratory disease, such as asthma, should limit prolonged outdoor exertion.

Dale Destin

Timing: Until Wednesday.

Synopsis: Fresh winds, due to a tightening pressure gradient, is forecast to cause a combination of wind waves and wind swells to rise, resulting in hazardous seas. The threat level to the life, livelihood, property and infrastructure of mariners is significant, and there is the potential for extensive impacts. A small craft advisory means that wind speeds of 21 to 33 knots and or wind waves and or wind swells of 7 feet or greater are occurring or imminent.

Winds over open waters: East-northeast at 26 to 37 km/h (14 to 20 knots; 16 to 23 mph), with strong gusts to gale-force or around 57 km/h (31 knots; 36 mph).

Seas (significant wave heights): 2 to 2.8 metres (6 to 9 feet), occasionally or locally reaching over 3.5 metres (near 12 feet). Wind waves and or wind swells: 1.5 to 2.5 metres or 6 to 8 feet and occasionally higher. Dominant wind wave period is 6 to 9 seconds.

Potential Impacts: Loss of life at sea; injuries to mariners; damage or loss of boats and marine equipment; financial losses; disruption of fisheries and scarcity of fish products and disruption to marine transportation.

Caution: Inexperienced mariners, especially those operating smaller vessels should avoid navigating in these conditions.

Forecaster: Dale Destin 

The Antigua and Barbuda Meteorological Services said the threat of health problems is expected to be elevated for mainly unusually sensitive people such as asthmatics.

The Disaster Management Coordination Agency, DMCA, continues to encourage children, the elderly and those living with respiratory and heart disease to have their medications on hand, wear a mask and reduce physical exertion outdoors.

Air Quality Index Based on Particulate Matters 2.5 (PM2.5) and 10 (PM10) Concentration

Air quality category: Moderate

Timing: Until Tuesday morning

Synopsis: The air quality is at moderate levels and will continue this way until Tuesday morning, as a result of a continuation of particulate matters 2.5 and 10, associated with a surge in Saharan Dust.

Air quality index: 50 to 70 Alert Level: II

Sensitive groups: People with respiratory or heart disease, the elderly and children are the groups most at risk.

Health implications: Air quality is acceptable; however, for some pollutants there may be a moderate health concern for a very small number of people who are unusually sensitive to air pollution.

Caution: Active children and adults, and people with respiratory disease, such as asthma, should limit prolonged outdoor exertion.

Dale Destin

In a Air Quality Bulletin issued this morning, the Antigua and Barbuda Meteorological Services said, yesterday the air quality reached unhealthy levels for sensitive groups, with the threat level being medium, one level above elevated. However, though the Air Quality has improved to moderate levels today, the threat of health problems is expected to be elevated, for mainly unusually sensitive people such as asthmatics.

The Disaster Management Coordination Agency, DMCA, continues to encourage the main vulnerable groups of people: children, the elderly and those living with respiratory and heart disease to have their medications on hand, wear a mask and reduce physical exertion outdoors.

The full Air Quality bulletin below:Air Quality Index Based on Particulate Matters 2.5 (PM2.5) and 10 (PM10) Concentration

Air quality category: Moderate

Timing: Until Tuesday morning

Synopsis: The air quality has improved to moderate levels and will continue this way until Tuesday morning, as a result of a continuation of particulate matters 2.5 and 10, associated with a surge in Saharan Dust. The threat of health problems is expected to be elevated, for mainly unusually sensitive people, such as asthmatics. Yesterday, the air quality reached unhealthy for sensitive groups, with the threat level being medium, one level above elevated.

Air quality index: 50 to 70 Alert Level: II

Sensitive groups: People with respiratory or heart disease, the elderly and children are the groups most at risk.

Health implications: Air quality is acceptable; however, for some pollutants there may be a moderate health concern for a very small number of people who are unusually sensitive to air pollution.

Caution: Active children and adults, and people with respiratory disease, such as asthma, should limit prolonged outdoor exertion.

Dale Destin

The Disaster Management Coordination Agency, DMCA is encouraging the main vulnerable groups of people: children, the elderly and those living with respiratory and heart disease to have their medications on hand, wear a mask and reduce physical exertion outdoors.

Air Quality Index Based on Particulate Matter 2.5 (PM2.5) and 10 (PM10) Concentration

Air quality category: Unhealthy for sensitive groups

Timing: Later this morning until tonight, decreasing to moderate levels tomorrow

Synopsis: The air quality is at moderate levels and is forecast to fall to unhealthy for sensitive groups, as a result of a further increase of particulate matters 2.5 and 10, associated with a fresh surge in Saharan Dust. The threat of health problems is elevated, for mainly unusually sensitive people, such as asthmatics. This threat level is expected to rise further to medium.

Air quality index: 70 to 110 Alert Level: III

Sensitive groups: People with respiratory or heart disease, the elderly and children are the groups most at risk.

Health implications: Increasing likelihood of respiratory symptoms in sensitive individuals, aggravation of heart or lung disease and premature mortality in persons with cardiopulmonary disease and the elderly.

Caution: Everyone should exercise caution, especially sensitive groups such as active children and adults, and people with heart or respiratory disease, such as asthma, should limit time outdoors and restrict outdoor activity. Also, keep windows and doors closed, as much as possible, and wear a face mask, rated to filter out PM 2.5, when going outside.

Dale Destin