Expert explains: Why the Dominican Republic is at the “Extremely Severe” heat level
In recent days, temperatures of 38.3 °C were recorded in Sabaneta and 37.7 °C in Santiago Rodríguez. In addition, in several towns in the Cibao and the Northwest Region, the heat index (the temperature the body actually perceives when heat and humidity are combined) exceeded 40 °C.
Ice-cold water! Since July 1, the Dominican Republic has been under an extreme heat alert issued by the U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), which places the country at the “Extremely Severe” level—the highest risk category for extreme temperatures.
But what does that classification really mean?
Engineer and Master of Science Saddan Font-Frías, head of the Meteorological Research Department at the Dominican Institute of Meteorology (INDOMET), explained to the newspaper HOY that several areas of the country fall within the Moderately Severe and Severe categories, while specific sectors in the northwest reach the “Extremely Severe” level—the highest category recognized by NOAA.
“This classification means that temperatures and heat index values are expected to be among the highest normally recorded for this time of year, and that these conditions could persist for several consecutive days, significantly increasing the health risk, especially for children, older adults, and people with chronic illnesses,” Font-Frías explained.
The researcher noted that, although NOAA uses the 80th percentile as a technical reference, for the general public, this can be understood more simply: the country will experience some of the highest temperatures typically recorded at the start of summer, which is why he recommends taking preventive measures.
Why is it so hot?
According to Font-Frías, one of the main reasons is atmospheric behavior.
“When air descends, it compresses and heats up. This process acts as a sort of atmospheric lid that reduces the formation of significant rainfall, allows for greater solar radiation, and causes heat to remain trapped near the surface,” he explained.
As a result, he noted, the Dominican Republic is facing a combination of high temperatures, high humidity, and little rainfall, factors that significantly increase the heat index.
Temperatures confirm the intense heat.
Recent INDOMET records reflect the magnitude of this heat wave.
In recent days, 38.3 °C was recorded in Sabaneta and 37.7 °C in Santiago Rodríguez. In addition, in several towns in the Cibao and the Northwest Region, the heat index (the temperature the body actually perceives when heat is combined with humidity) exceeded 40 °C.
Font-Frías noted that July, August, and September are historically the hottest months in the country, according to the 1991–2020 climatological norm. During that period, average maximum temperatures hover around 33 °C across much of the country and exceed 36 °C in southwestern areas such as Jimaní, Duvergé, and Pedernales.
However, he noted that the most recent data show a trend toward rising temperatures.
“Weather stations show that between 2020 and 2025, several locations have recorded average maximum temperatures higher than the reference climate norm. Monte Cristi and La Vega have reached an average maximum of around 35 °C during September, while Santiago has recorded nearly 34 °C, confirming a trend toward increasingly warmer conditions,” he said.
In the case of Greater Santo Domingo, he added that an analysis of daily records for the 2021–2025 period also shows an increase in maximum temperatures compared to the reference climate data.
