A massive cloud of Saharan dust, known as the Saharan Air Layer (SAL), is expected to move over Costa Rica during the next five days, according to the National Meteorological Institute (IMN).

The dense dust plume originated off the coast of West Africa and has traveled more than 3,000 miles (4,800 kilometers) across the Atlantic Ocean into the Caribbean. It is now moving through the Caribbean Sea and is forecast to bring sunny conditions across Costa Rica beginning Thursday.

Meteorologists said the arrival of the dust will contribute to drier weather and above-average temperatures.

The North Pacific region, including Guanacaste Province, is expected to see abundant sunshine, with temperatures ranging from 86°F to 102°F.

In the Central Valley (including the provinces of San José, Alajuela, Heredia and Cartago) and the Central Pacific region (Puntarenas Province), temperatures are forecast to range from 77°F  to  86°F.

Along the Caribbean Coast (Limón Province), temperatures could reach  86°F.

"These fine particles can trap heat near the surface," meteorologists said, adding that temperatures are expected to rise above seasonal averages, particularly in coastal and urban areas.

The Ministry of Health warned that inhaling the dust could irritate the respiratory system and worsen allergies, asthma and other respiratory conditions.

According to the IMN, the dust plume is expected to begin dispersing by the middle of next week.

The National Emergency Commission (CNE) recently issued an alert for parts of the Pacific Coast because of an anticipated reduction in rainfall.

However, meteorologists cautioned that tropical waves moving through the region could still trigger brief periods of heavy rain in many parts of the country.

Costa Rica has a tropical and subtropical climate with two primary seasons. The dry season, commonly referred to as summer, typically runs from December through May. The rainy season extends from June through November and generally coincides with the Atlantic hurricane season.

The National Meteorological Institute is the government agency responsible for issuing weather forecasts, hazardous weather alerts and related services designed to protect the public and provide weather information to government agencies, businesses and residents.

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