Santo Domingo.- The National Meteorological Office (Onamet) has issued a warning for heavy rainfall and thunderstorms across the country, particularly in provinces on the northern and northeastern slopes, the Caribbean coastal coast, the Central mountain range, and the border area. These areas include La Altagracia, Hato Mayor, Monte Plata, María Trinidad Sánchez, Duarte, Sánchez Ramírez, Santiago, Puerto Plata, Santiago Rodríguez, San José de Ocoa, La Vega, Monseñor Nouel, Valverde, El Gran, Santo Domingo, Dajabón, Elías Piña, and San Juan.
The rainfall is expected to be accompanied by strong winds and possible hailstorms. Onamet has also warned of potential flooding of rivers, streams, and ravines, as well as urban flooding and landslides in some areas.
Meanwhile, two tropical cyclones are being monitored in the region. The first system is located about 665 kilometers southwest of Pesca México and has maximum sustained winds of 65 kph. The second system is located several hundred kilometers east of The Bahamas and has a 10% chance of developing into a tropical cyclone within the next 48 hours. However, Onamet does not expect either system to pose a threat to the Dominican Republic.
In addition to the rain, Onamet is also warning of hot temperatures due to the time of year and the warm wind from the southeast. Temperatures are expected to remain high throughout the day, with minimum temperatures ranging from 23-25°C and maximum temperatures ranging from 33-35°C in Greater Santo Domingo.
Residents are advised to take precautions to stay safe during this time. Onamet recommends wearing light-colored clothing and staying hydrated by drinking plenty of water. It also advises avoiding direct exposure to the sun without proper protection between 11am and 4pm, as children and elderly people are particularly susceptible to high temperatures.
Several provinces have been placed on alert due to the expected rainfall over the next 48 hours. These provinces include Santiago Rodríguez, La Vega, Dajabón, Elías Piña, San Juan, and Santiago.