St. Croix will be partly sunny with a couple of showers later this morning and a high of 89, AccuWeather said.
St. Croix will experience increasing cloudiness tonight and a low of 77, according to AccuWeather.
Afternoon showers across western Puerto Rico with a risk of minor flooding, the National Weather Service said.
The risk of rip currents is low to moderate today, but beach conditions will deteriorate by Friday across north-exposed beaches, according to the NWS.
The extreme dust and dander levels on St. Croix today, November 5, 2025, are due to a plume of Saharan dust (also known as the Saharan Air Layer) that has moved across the Atlantic and enveloped the U.S. Virgin Islands region.
This phenomenon is common during the summer and fall months in the Caribbean. The dust, which originates in the Sahara Desert in Africa, is lofted into the atmosphere and transported westward by trade winds.
Specific reasons for the current high levels include:
- Persistent Haze: Weather updates indicate that reduced air quality and hazy conditions, which began over the weekend, are continuing through at least today due to a lingering dust plume.
- Gusty Winds: Breezy to locally windy conditions across the islands help to sustain and circulate the dust, preventing it from dissipating quickly.
- Lack of Rain: The presence of the dry Saharan Air Layer typically limits shower activity, which would otherwise help to clear dust from the atmosphere.
The air quality has been described as “poor” or “extreme” for sensitive groups, with potential health impacts such as difficulty breathing or throat irritation. Residents with respiratory conditions are advised to limit outdoor activities.
