Jean Suriel warns of massive Saharan dust cloud affecting Dominican Republic

Santo Domingo.- Meteorological analyst Jean Suriel reported that the second Saharan dust cloud of the season has reached the Dominican Republic, marking the first major dust mass of the year to cover an area of approximately 6,890 kilometers.

According to Suriel, the dust cloud is so extensive that it is nearly 100 times larger than the Dominican Republic, stretching across Central America while remaining connected to the African continent.

In a post shared on Instagram, the weather expert explained that a trough could generate some moderate rainfall in the coming hours. However, he noted that the presence of Saharan dust limits the formation of significant downpours.

Suriel warned that the densest portion of the dust cloud is expected to arrive between Friday afternoon and Saturday, bringing hotter temperatures, hazy skies, and increased humidity across much of the Caribbean region.

He added that the atmospheric phenomenon could persist for up to 12 days, potentially increasing allergic reactions as well as respiratory, eye, and skin conditions.

The analyst also forecast that another, denser Saharan dust mass could reach the region next Tuesday and urged residents, particularly children and the elderly, to take preventive measures.