Dust to persist through weekend

[SuzanneJacobs]

The hazy skies caused by Saharan dust will continue to linger over the territory through the weekend.
"It will stay with us until early next week, maybe until Monday," Felix Castro, meteorologist at the National Weather Service in San Juan, said Friday.
V.I. Department of Planning and Natural Resources Commissioner Alicia Barnes issued an advisory this week informing the public of an air pollution alert for dust from the Sahara Desert in Africa.
The dust [url=All Star New York Yankees 25 Mark Texeiru Blue Jerseys[/url] causes the skies around the Virgin Islands to be hazy, which reduces the visibility and results in poor air quality, she said.
As a result of the dust storms and a rise in warm air, the sand rises above the desert and is transported from the North African desert westward over the Atlantic Ocean across the Caribbean, according to DPNR.
Saharan dust is not harmful, however, people with allergies or respiratory ailments should remain indoors when possible and consult their physicians or health care professional for further guidance, Barnes said.
Saharan dust storms pass through the Caribbean region several times a year, primarily in the spring and summer months.
Castro said a tropical wave was expected to clear out the dust from the area, but the wave passed early Friday without much impact.
He said the territory may see Pirates 47 Meek Navy 2010 All Star Jerseys some moisture, possibly some showers, today.
"But [url=48 Torii Hunter White 2010 All Star Jerseys[/url] we expect the Saharan dust to be the dominant weather feature," Castro said.
Saharan dust can be a good thing.
"Saharan dust tends to weaken tropical systems," Castro said. "It's against the tropical cyclone Rockies 38 Troy Jimemez blue 2010 All Star Jerseys development."
However, no storms are on the horizon at the moment.
- Contact reporter Aldeth Lewin at 714-9111 or email alewin@dailynews.vi.