2026 hurricane season starts today with mostly dry weather

Santo Domingo.- The 2026 Atlantic hurricane season officially begins today and will run through November 30, according to the Dominican Institute of Meteorology (Indomet). Forecasters said a dry air mass combined with Saharan dust will dominate weather conditions across much of the country, limiting rainfall and creating mostly sunny and hot conditions.

Despite the dry pattern, a tropical wave south of Haiti and a trough northwest of the island are expected to generate scattered morning showers along portions of the Caribbean coast. During the afternoon, these systems could trigger isolated downpours and thunderstorms in parts of the Central Mountain Range, the northwest, and border provinces, including La Vega, Santiago Rodríguez, Elías Piña, Valverde, and Dajabón.

Indomet also warned that temperatures will remain high due to seasonal conditions and Saharan dust concentrations. Authorities advised residents to stay hydrated, wear light-colored clothing, avoid prolonged sun exposure, and remain in cool, ventilated spaces. People sensitive to dust particles were urged to follow health recommendations and monitor official weather updates throughout the hurricane season.