2024-07-08 16:07:03
He Insivumeh reported that at the beginning of julio 2024a mass of Sahara dust entered Guatemalaincreasing its concentration in the air. The forecast indicates that this will not be the only influx of air during the month. Here are the details!
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Saharan dust entered Guatemala in early July
He National Institute of Seismology, Volcanology, Meteorology and Hydrology ―INSIVUMEH― indicated that on July 3, a dust mass coming from the Sahara desert. Due to this, increases in its concentration in the air were recorded.
It is estimated that the cloud will leave the country on Friday, July 5, however, a new mass of dust is expected to enter on Saturday, July 6. Projections indicate that the cloud that will enter on Saturday could mainly affect the departments of Petén, Izabal and Alta Verapaz. In addition to this, according to projections from the Atmospheric Modeling and Meteorological Prediction Group of the Kapodistrian University of Athens, a new entry is expected between the 10th and 11th of the month.
What is Sahara dust?
It is a mass of hot, dry air loaded with sand particles that originates in the Sahara Desert, the largest in the world, located in North Africa. Every year, strong winds in the desert lift millions of tons and carry it across the Atlantic, affecting various regions of the world, including parts of America, Europe and the Caribbean.
The formation process begins with the trade winds, which are constant winds that blow from the northeast in the northern hemisphere. These winds lift dust from the Saharan soil and carry it to great heights. From there, air currents transport it across the Atlantic Ocean. This journey can take several days or even weeks, covering thousands of kilometers.
This cloud not only affects air quality, but it also has some benefits. It contains minerals and nutrients that are essential for plant growth. For example, when the mass reaches the Amazon, it brings phosphorus and other nutrients that help fertilize the soil of this rainforest. However, its presence in the air can affect human health, particularly in people with respiratory problems.
As a curious fact, sand particles can travel more than 7,000 kilometers from Africa to America and sometimes, it can create more colorful sunsets and sunrises, with more intense reddish and orange tones.
Recommendations for taking care of your health
The National Coordinator for Disaster Reduction – CONRED indicates that suspended Saharan dust poses risks to air quality and public health, especially for those with pre-existing respiratory conditions. In light of this, it has shared the following recommendations:
- Use of masks: When going outside, especially in areas with high dust concentration, it is recommended to use masks to avoid inhaling particles.
- Avoid outdoor activities: Prefer to stay indoors if possible, to reduce exposure.
- Eye protection: Wear glasses or sunglasses to protect your eyes from particles and prevent irritation.
- Skin hydration: Apply moisturizers to prevent dryness and irritation of the skin.
- Medical consultation:People with respiratory conditions should go to the nearest health center to receive more specific recommendations appropriate to their situation.
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