Increase in Saharan dust reported over Venezuela

• Specialist Luis Vargas explained that the natural phenomenon will affect from the early hours of July 20 until the 22nd of the same month | Main photo: EFE

Venezuelan meteorologist Luis Vargas reported on Saturday, July 20, that there is an increase in the concentration of Saharan dust over Venezuela.

Vargas explained, through his account on X (formerly Twitter), that the natural phenomenon will affect most of the country’s territory from early Saturday morning until Monday, July 22, 2024.

“The new layer of dust from the Sahara that advanced towards the Caribbean increased its concentration over Venezuela since last night and will remain over a large part of the national territory until Monday,” Vargas said.

The specialist also explained that Sahara dust will contribute to maintaining the forecast of rain-producing clouds in some states of Venezuela, without specifying which ones.

The specialist has stated on several occasions that there are episodes of Saharan dust throughout the year. However, its presence is more constant between June and August.

#20Jul The new layer of Saharan dust that advanced towards the Caribbean increased its concentration over Venezuela since last night and will remain over a good part of the national territory until Monday. Let us remember that in addition to being a natural fertilizer for some ecosystems… pic.twitter.com/PPZ4ewjA4O

— Luis Vargas (@Meteovargas) July 20, 2024

What are the implications of Sahara dust?

Luis Vargas recalled that Sahara dust is a natural fertilizer that helps preserve various ecosystems.

“Let us remember that in addition to being a natural fertilizer for some aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems,” said the specialist.

He explained that, from a meteorological point of view, Saharan dust has adverse effects such as reduced air quality, decreased horizontal visibility, and limited cloud formation, among others.

Health Recommendations

The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) has shared several recommendations to alleviate the health effects of Sahara dust:

-Use a face mask or, failing that, a damp cloth handkerchief to cover the nose and mouth, especially for people with chronic respiratory diseases (COPD, asthma), older adults, pregnant women, and children.

-Wash with plenty of water if you feel foreign bodies in your eyes. It is preferable to use drinking water, boiled water or chlorinated water.

-Cover water sources to prevent contamination.

-Use personal protective equipment such as protective glasses, face masks, or damp cloth handkerchiefs to cover your nose and mouth.

-Wet areas of the house before sweeping to prevent accumulated dust from spreading.

Photo: EFE

Sahara dust concentration so far in 2024

In less than a month, another concentration of Saharan dust was recorded in Venezuela. Between January and April 2024, the presence of Saharan dust has been reported four times.

The last concentration of Saharan dust was reported by Luis Vargas on June 27, 2024. Another one was reported by the National Institute of Meteorology and Hydrology (Inameh) on March 6 and lasted four days over the national territory.

On February 20, Inameh reported the presence of this dust in mild to moderate concentrations coming from the eastern region. And on January 31, Luis Vargas mentioned that since January 30, the presence of this phenomenon had been recorded coming from the east of the country.

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