Heat and dust from the Sahara: Have you seen smoke in Santo Domingo? Here’s what’s happening

Have you noticed smoke or a hazy sky in Santo Domingo? It’s likely not a fire in the capital, but smoke from the wildfires affecting Canada, combined with a cloud of Saharan dust already impacting the Dominican Republic.

Following reports of smoke in various parts of Greater Santo Domingo, the newspaper HOY contacted the head of the National District Fire Department, General José Luis Frómeta Herasme, who clarified that the institution has not received any reports of fires in the capital.

Meteorological analyst Jean Suriel explained that this Father’s Day weekend will be marked by intense heat “due to the arrival of a combined cloud of Saharan dust and Canadian smoke from the Atlantic.”

What effects will this cloud have?

Suriel recommended that people with allergic diseases redouble their preventive measures to reduce the effects of these particles in the environment.

He indicated that, especially on Sunday, Father’s Day, the heat index in Dominican territory will range between 40 °C and 45 °C, with Dajabón, Montecristi, Santiago Rodríguez, Valverde and Elías Piña being the provinces where the most stifling temperatures will be felt.

He also explained that particles from Saharan dust plume number 12 have already reached the country, causing hazy skies.

Partly cloudy skies with Saharan fog are expected for Saturday, while the Saharan cloud will begin to weaken on Sunday, although it will persist. Showers could increase in the late afternoon due to the approach of Tropical Wave 30.

According to Suriel, the effects of that tropical wave are expected on Monday, including a decrease in Saharan dust, humid winds, and a hot environment, with rain after midday in several areas of the country.