The Ministry of Health, Environment and Sustainability (MHES), Public Health Department (PHD), and the Department of Environmental Health (DEH), today confirmed that air quality readings across Grand Cayman during the current Saharan dust event have, over the last two days, remained within the Good to Moderate range of the United States Air Quality Index (US AQI). The entities also confirmed that there have been no locations recording readings in the Unhealthy or higher categories. The National Weather Service (NWS) has lifted its Dust Alert for the Cayman Islands effective 4:00 PM today, as dust concentrations are expected to decline further over the coming hours, aided by isolated showers.
Saharan dust events occur on an annual basis, with dust clouds originating in the Sahara Desert and transported westward across the Atlantic Ocean by prevailing trade winds, typically intensifying in the weeks immediately preceding the Atlantic hurricane season. These events carry fine particulate matter that can affect individuals with respiratory conditions, asthma, or heightened sensitivity to airborne particles.
Health officials have been actively monitoring the situation and issued public advisories in response to elevated airborne dust concentrations observed over the Cayman Islands in recent days.
On 3 - 4 June 2026, DEH officers conducted a comprehensive, island-wide air quality assessment at public and private schools across all districts of Grand Cayman, with measurements taken from early morning through the afternoon. Using calibrated handheld instruments, the officers recorded inhalable particles, temperature, relative humidity, and AQI values at both indoor and outdoor locations at each school campus.
Outdoor measurements were variable across school sites. AQI values ranged from good to moderate and no outdoor readings exceeded the World Health Organisation (WHO) guideline for inhalable course particles.
This was also consistent with the trends noted in real-time readings across Grand Cayman today, 4 June 2026 which confirm that conditions remain within the Good to Moderate AQI bands across all monitored locations.
No station recorded values in the Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups (101–150) or higher categories in any of the two days.
Moderate AQI values indicate that air quality is acceptable, though individuals who are unusually sensitive to air pollution, particularly those with asthma or other respiratory illnesses, may experience some symptoms with prolonged outdoor exposure.
A further reduction in dust concentration is anticipated over the coming hours, assisted by isolated shower activity. MHES will continue to monitor conditions and will issue updated advisories if circumstances change.
Acting Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Mark Paramlall, said: “Firstly, I want to thank the teams at the Department of Environmental Health for their hard work; the data they collected across schools and the community gives us a good picture of air quality conditions during this dust event. We are reassured that readings have remained within the Good to Moderate range, and that indoor environments at our schools showed that our pupils had good air quality.”
While conditions are improving, MHES advises the following precautions, particularly for sensitive individuals:
• Individuals with asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), or other respiratory conditions should minimise prolonged outdoor exertion and ensure they have access to any prescribed inhalers or medications.
• The general public may resume normal outdoor activities; however, those who experience respiratory symptoms such as coughing, wheezing, or shortness of breath should move indoors and seek medical attention if symptoms persist.
• Windows and doors may be kept closed where feasible to reduce indoor particulate infiltration, and air conditioning systems should be set to recirculate indoor air.
• Parents and guardians of children with respiratory conditions are encouraged to monitor their children for symptoms and consult their healthcare provider if concerned.
Persons needing additional guidance or information can contact the Public Health Department on 244-2889 or 244-2621.