SAHARAN DUST ALERT: Tobago Air Quality Plummets to ‘High’ Level

August 12, 2025 – A significant plume of Saharan dust has settled over Tobago, drastically reducing air quality and prompting a health warning from the Trinidad and Tobago Met Office. According to the national Outdoor Air Quality Index, the air quality index falls squarely in the High category, a sharp increase from the negligible levels experienced over the weekend. The Met Office forecasts conditions will persist, with concentrations peaking slightly tomorrow before beginning to improve to Moderate levels from Thursday afternoon. These fine dust particles can pose a risk to human health, particularly for sensitive groups. Individuals with asthma, allergies, or other respiratory conditions, as well as children and the elderly, are strongly advised to limit outdoor exposure, stay hydrated, and have any necessary medication readily available.