Health Ministry warns of heat stroke risks amid soaring temperatures
Santo Domingo.- The Dominican Republic’s Ministry of Health is urging residents to take precautions as extreme heat continues across the country, with heat index values exceeding 40°C in some areas and high temperatures expected to persist over the coming days.
Health officials advised people to stay hydrated, avoid prolonged sun exposure between 11:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m., remain in cool or well-ventilated places, wear lightweight, light-colored clothing, and use hats, sunglasses, and sunscreen. The ministry also recommended limiting strenuous outdoor activities, eating water-rich fruits and vegetables, avoiding alcoholic and caffeinated beverages, and paying special attention to children, older adults, pregnant women, and people with chronic illnesses, who face a higher risk of heat-related complications.
The ministry warned that heat stroke is a medical emergency and urged the public to seek immediate medical care if symptoms such as high body temperature, dizziness, confusion, nausea, muscle cramps, or loss of consciousness occur. While waiting for medical assistance, affected individuals should be moved to a cool area, have excess clothing removed, be cooled with damp cloths, and, if conscious, be given water.
June sets new temperature records nationwide
According to the Dominican Institute of Meteorology (Indomet), the intense heat is being driven by a combination of seasonal summer conditions, warm easterly winds, Saharan dust, high humidity, and the moderate El Niño phenomenon, which has contributed to below-average rainfall and above-normal temperatures across the Caribbean. Forecasts indicate these conditions are likely to continue for at least the next two weeks, with temperatures ranging from 35°C to 39°C in several regions.
Indomet also reported that June 2026 set multiple temperature records nationwide. The highest reading reached 39.9°C in Sabaneta, Santiago Rodríguez, breaking a 62-year-old record, while new all-time highs were also recorded in Santo Domingo, Las Américas, Mao, Jimaní, Dajabón, Altamira, and Santiago. Authorities said they will continue monitoring weather conditions and urged the public to remain vigilant as July and August are typically the hottest months of the year in the Dominican Republic.
