Q COSTARICA — The arrival of a mass of Saharan dust is deteriorating air quality in several regions of Costa Rica this week.
According to Daniel Poleo of the Instituto Meteorológico Nacional (IMN) – the national weather service, the Costa Rican Air Quality Index shows values ranging from very unfavorable to unfavorable.
“The country will experience fairly high levels of Saharan dust, affecting air quality, diminishing the good quality we have been experiencing in recent days,” Poleo added.
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“The mass of dust over the region inhibits precipitation. In this case, respirable particles can generate or cause respiratory problems, particularly midweek and into the weekend,” he explained.
Furthermore, the greatest risk is primarily for people with allergies, children, and the elderly.
The IMN noted that these conditions are typical of this time of year; July and August are the peak concentration of dust masses in Costa Rica.
Meanwhile, the decrease in rainfall has a negative impact, allowing for the accumulation of suspended particles.
“This is known as calima, which can remain in the air for several days,” the expert emphasized.
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“Then, an atmosphere filled with calima remains, and this causes respiratory problems, particularly in older adults, children, and people suffering from respiratory illnesses,” Poleo warned.
Keep in mind that Sahara dust is a mass of very fine mineral particles, composed primarily of sand and clay, that rise from the Sahara Desert.
Recommendations
Authorities recommend taking precautions this week and next, especially for vulnerable groups.
Suggested measures include:
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- Avoid prolonged outdoor exposure
- Wear a mask if respiratory symptoms occur
- Keep doors and windows closed during peak dust concentrations
- Consult a doctor if respiratory difficulty develops
Weekly Forecast
According to the IMN, the following are expected for the remainder of July and the first few days of August.
- July 14-20:
Rainy conditions will continue throughout the Caribbean, due to an increase in trade winds.
Normal conditions will be expected in the South Pacific and the Eastern North. In addition, less rainy than normal conditions will be expected in the North Pacific, Central Pacific, Central Valley, and the Western North.
The country will experience an intensification of the Canícula (Domestic Heatwave), particularly in the North Pacific, where there will be much less rain than normal.
- July 21-27:
Rainy conditions will continue in the Caribbean due to an increase in trade winds.
There will also be less rain than normal in the North Pacific, the Central Valley, and the Northern Zone. Normal conditions are expected in the Central and South Pacific.
- July 28-August 3:
Normal conditions are expected in much of the country this week, with less rain than normal in the North Pacific and the Western North Zone.
- August 4-10:
Normal conditions are expected in much of the country, with less rain than normal in the North Pacific.
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