What is the location of the dust storm?
As of May 31, 2026, a large Saharan dust plume, known as the Saharan Air Layer (SAL), is moving westward from the Sahara Desert in North Africa across the Atlantic Ocean and into the Caribbean, affecting air quality across parts of the region.
The dust plume has reached the Cayman Islands and is affecting parts of Jamaica while extending across portions of the Caribbean Sea. Additional impacts are expected across Puerto Rico, the Windward Islands, and portions of Florida, particularly South Florida and Key West (1).
In Colombia, minor concentrations have been detected along the Colombian Caribbean coast and near the archipelago of San Andrés, Providencia, and Santa Catalina (2).
The event is part of a recurring seasonal atmospheric phenomenon that transports mineral-rich dust thousands of miles across the Atlantic.
Which cities or areas are affected by the dust storm?
The cities and areas affected by the Saharan dust plume include:
- Bahamas
- Cayman Islands
- Colombian Caribbean coast
- Florida Gulf region
- Jamaica
- Key West, Florida
- Puerto Rico
- San Andrés
- Santa Catalina
- South Florida
- Providencia
- Windward Islands
In Colombia, impacts are expected mainly across northern Caribbean areas including Magdalena, Bolívar, Sucre, and Córdoba, as well as sectors of the San Andrés, Providencia, and Santa Catalina archipelago (3).
How long will the dust storm last?
Current forecasts indicate that the Saharan dust plume will remain over portions of the Caribbean through the weekend and into early next week.
Puerto Rico is expected to experience a denser plume on June 1 and June 2. Forecasters are also monitoring an additional dust plume that could reach the Cayman Islands around Tuesday evening, which may prolong air quality impacts into the following week.
Multiple Saharan dust outbreaks are expected to continue moving across the Caribbean at intervals of approximately five to seven days into early June (4).
Are there any alerts in place?
Several public health advisories and air quality alerts have been issued across affected regions. In Jamaica, the Ministry of Health and Wellness has urged residents to limit exposure to Saharan dust due to increased risks of respiratory illness, allergies, skin irritation, and eye irritation. Residents with asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), or other respiratory conditions have been advised to remain indoors when possible and use protective measures when outdoors (5).
In Puerto Rico, weather officials have warned that sensitive groups, including people with respiratory conditions, may experience health effects as dust concentrations increase, particularly during June 1 and June 2.
In the Cayman Islands, health guidance recommends reducing strenuous outdoor activity, keeping windows closed, wearing masks outdoors when necessary, and using air purifiers indoors, especially for individuals with respiratory conditions.
No evacuation orders or evacuation centers have been reported in connection with this Saharan dust event. Current alerts focus on air quality advisories and public health precautions.
How can I protect myself from poor air quality?
- Get a free air quality app for real-time air quality alerts and forecasts.
- Shut doors and windows and set the HVAC to recirculate mode.
- Contribute to your community’s outdoor air quality data.
- Stay indoors when air quality is poor; if you do need to go outdoors, wear a KN95/FFP2 mask.
- Run a high-performance air purifier to filter particles, gases, and other pollutants.
