High concentrations of dust are being observed this week and the public is urged to avoid spending too much time in open spaces, the Meteorology Department has announced.

According to a warning issued by the Met Office, the island is under the influence of a high concentration of dust blowing in from the Middle East.

The phenomenon is expected to subside by Thursday night.

The department urged the public and especially vulnerable groups (children, the elderly, and people with chronic illnesses) to stay put, as the small sized dust particles may have negative effects on their health.