Caribbean Haze

[Reality Check]

The Haze in the Caribbean is really reducing visibility to under 5 to 7 miles in the BVI. You can often not see any more than a faint outline of Norman Island from West End Tortola when it typically looks like just a hop skip and jump. Last night we could not even see the lights of St Thomas from West End!!! and they are normally so bright it lights the sky miles upward.

Most of the blame is on Saharan Dust and some ash from Montserrat. According to the Carib Weather reports it is actually just the Saharan Dust getting in early but not leaving the typical grit on surfaces yet. In any case it makes for a very hazy sail that often is more of an overcast.

Any other islands other than BVI and USVI getting this higher rate of haze from Africa???

[maxingout]

When I lived in eastern Puerto Rico, the Saharan Dust was so thick one time that I could not see land when I was sailing a mile offshore. Not a good situation to be in when you are sailing around reef strewn waters. You could take your finger and write your name on the hood of your car in the Saharan dust.

[Canibul]

It's been very hazy here in the TCI for about a week now.

[Hud3]

It was very thick here on Nevis. Couldn't see any of St Kitts beyond about four miles away. Those with allergies were suffering a bit. It began to clear up a couple of days ago. Still not totally clear, though.

Here's a link to a satellite image of the Saharan Air Layer.

Saharan Air Layer - Split Window

[Canibul]

Interesting image. I see we are in a clear air bubble at the moment. You guys in the Southern Caribbean are really getting it.