Health and weather

Heat, dust and air-quality guidance.

Sample content — not an operational product

Heat and dust guidance on this page is not yet published from the GMS forecast system. The figures on this page are illustrative and must not be used for any weather, marine or safety decision.

Saharan dust

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.

During a dust episode

Keep reliever inhalers and other prescribed medication to hand.
Close windows on the windward side of the house during the heaviest concentrations.
Reduce strenuous outdoor activity, particularly for children and older adults.
Seek medical attention for worsening breathlessness, wheeze or chest tightness.

Heat

Category	Feels-like temperature	Guidance
Caution	32 – 39 °C	Fatigue possible with prolonged exposure
Extreme caution	39 – 46 °C	Heat cramps and exhaustion possible
Danger	46 – 54 °C	Heat exhaustion likely; heat stroke possible
Extreme danger	Above 54 °C	Heat stroke highly likely

Working with the Ministry of Health

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.