Sweltering weekend: extreme heat and Saharan dust
This weekend’s weather will be marked by high temperatures and a stifling heat index, with tropical waves and troughs bringing scattered downpours and isolated thunderstorms across the country.
Today, Friday, a hot day with mostly clear skies is expected, although cloud cover will increase during the afternoon and early evening, bringing isolated showers and thunderstorms to provinces such as Monte Plata, San Cristóbal, San Pedro de Macorís, San José de Ocoa, Monseñor Nouel, Samaná, Azua, San Juan, Elías Piña, and parts of Greater Santo Domingo. Temperatures will range between 33°C and 35°C across much of the country, with lows of 23°C to 25°C.
On Saturday, a tropical wave will generate morning showers in areas near the northeast and southeast coasts. However, the arrival of an air mass with higher Saharan dust concentrations will reduce humidity and limit rainfall, so only scattered showers and isolated thunderstorms are expected in Monte Plata, Monseñor Nouel, San Cristóbal, Sánchez Ramírez, La Vega, San Juan, and parts of northern Santo Domingo.
On Sunday, another tropical wave, favored by humidity and an upper-level trough, will bring scattered showers, locally moderate to heavy, accompanied by thunderstorms and gusty winds. These conditions will be concentrated in southeastern provinces, including Greater Santo Domingo, as well as the northeast, the Central Mountain Range, and the border region, mainly during the afternoon and evening.
Authorities recommend staying hydrated, avoiding prolonged sun exposure between 11:00 am and 4:00 pm, wearing light-colored, lightweight clothing, and paying special attention to children, pregnant women, the elderly, and people with underlying health conditions. On the Caribbean coast, rougher surf conditions are expected starting Saturday, especially from Pedernales to Barahona.
