Saharan dust cloud to reach Dominican Republic this Friday

Santo Domingo.- A plume of Saharan dust will begin arriving over the Dominican Republic in the early hours of Friday, with peak concentrations expected Saturday afternoon and evening, the Dominican Meteorological Institute (INDOMET) warns. Wagner Rivera, INDOMET’s senior forecaster, said the fine desert particles will give the sky a hazy, grayish cast typical of this seasonal phenomenon.

Rivera explained that particle sizes are growing—from last week’s 1–3 micrometers up to 15–20 micrometers—but will remain at low levels that pose no serious health risk for most residents. “This is a natural event we see every year,” he said. “Although visibility will be reduced and the sun may appear dimmer, overall air quality should stay within acceptable limits.”

Nevertheless, Rivera cautioned that people living on higher floors, especially from the third story upward, will be more exposed to airborne dust. Those individuals may experience eye irritation, itchy throats or aggravated nasal conditions such as rhinitis. “Small eyes and nasal passages are particularly sensitive to these microscopic particles,” he noted.

Health authorities recommend that anyone with respiratory or allergy issues keep windows closed, use air purifiers if available and wear protective eyewear outdoors. “Simple measures can prevent discomfort,” said Rivera. “Limiting strenuous activity on Saturday and Sunday will help, too.”

The Saharan dust originates from strong trade winds sweeping across North Africa each spring. Satellite tracking shows the current plume moving off the Sahara Desert toward the Caribbean, where dry air masses will carry it across the Atlantic. By Sunday, concentrations should begin to subside as local winds disperse the dust.