Dense Saharan Dust Expected in USVI Thursday Night After Tropical Waves Bring Showers

A dense plume of Saharan dust is expected to move across the U.S. Virgin Islands beginning Thursday night, following two tropical waves that are forecast to increase shower activity across the territory Wednesday and Thursday, according to the National Weather Service in San Juan. In its 3:29 a.m. forecast discussion Tuesday, NWS said moderate concentrations of Saharan dust will move through the region intermittently before a dense Saharan Air Layer carrying high dust concentrations arrives Thursday night. Forecasters expect the plume to produce widespread haze, reduced visibility and deteriorating air quality as substantially drier air spreads across the region. The dust will follow a wetter period expected during the middle of the week. Tropical waves moving across the islands Wednesday and Thursday are forecast to increase the potential for showers, with a limited flooding threat in some areas. The unsettled weather will develop while brisk east to east-southeast winds continue a...