Dominican Republic faces year’s strongest heat wave

Santo Domingo.-The Dominican Republic has entered its hottest stretch of the year, lasting until late October, with extreme daytime heat continuing moderately into mid-November. The country is currently under the influence of Saharan dust cloud number 15, which could push temperatures up to 40°C–45°C from late morning to mid-afternoon, intensified by humid Caribbean winds.

Meteorological authorities warn that the dust may aggravate allergies in the coming 24 hours. However, conditions should improve over the weekend with the arrival of tropical wave number 29 and an atmospheric disturbance in the northeastern Caribbean, which could increase rainfall across much of the country.

Still, the relief will be short-lived. A 16th Saharan dust cloud is expected early Monday and will linger until Tuesday afternoon. The Saharan dust season is projected to end in late September, potentially easing the extreme heat that dominates August and September.