As Saharan dust concentrations ease across Barbados, a top medical spokesperson warned that lingering air quality issues combined with intensifying summer heat continue to pose health risks, particularly for vulnerable people.

The island, including much of the Eastern Caribbean, has been blanketed by Saharan dust for much of the past week, reducing visibility and triggering respiratory concerns. Meteorologist David Harding reported on Monday that dust concentrations across Barbados and its marine area had decreased sufficiently and no longer warranted an advisory.

Despite the improvement, president of the Barbados Association of Medical Practitioners (BAMP), Dr Lynda Williams, warned that the lingering effects of Saharan dust and the onset of intense summer heat could continue to impact vulnerable groups.