Saharan dust plume expected for Christmas Eve in USVI and PR

Saharan dust plume expected for Christmas Eve in USVI and PR

SAN JUAN — A plume of Saharan dust will begin affecting the local region, with direct impacts on the U.S. Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico starting tomorrow (Christmas Eve day), the National Weather Service said.

Peak concentrations are expected to occur from Tuesday afternoon into the overnight hours. according to the NWS.

Therefore, hazy skies can be anticipated on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, the NWS said.

“This event is classified as moderate to severe and is expected to gradually diminish by Wednesday afternoon onward,” NOAA meteorologist Yidiana Zayas-Rivera told the Virgin Islands Free Press tonight.