Moderate to Severe Saharan Dust Event Impacting USVI and Puerto Rico Through Sunday

NSW has issued warnings for moderate to severe Saharan dust impacting PR and the USVI, bringing reduced visibility, health concerns, and heat indices above 108°F, with conditions expected to persist through Sunday

A significant plume of Saharan dust has moved into the region, affecting Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands from July 18 to July 21. The National Weather Service (NWS) in San Juan has classified this event as moderate to severe.

The dust event is expected to cause some limitations to visibility in the affected areas. Unlike previous dust events, this one is expected to last longer but is anticipated to clear out by Sunday afternoon, according to NWS. Along with the dust, the Saharan air will bring very warm temperatures to the region, with heat indices exceeding 108°F in many lower elevation sites.