Heat index in Santo Domingo reaches record highs of up to 48 degrees, triggering a surge in electricity consumption

Santo Domingo, July 31. The high temperatures recorded in the Dominican Republic during July have caused a historic increase in the heat index and electricity consumption, generating blackouts and overloading circuits.

According to the Dominican Institute of Meteorology (INDOMET), the average temperature in Greater Santo Domingo was 36.1 degrees Celsius, but the heat index felt between 43 and 48 degrees Celsius. In Santiago Rodríguez, temperatures reached 39.8 degrees, raising the heat index to 50 degrees.

This situation has triggered a surge in the use of air conditioners and fans in homes and businesses, resulting in a record demand of over 4,400 kW, well above the normal consumption of 3,000 kW during peak hours.

The phenomenon is aggravated by the presence of Saharan dust, which intensifies the heat and reduces rainfall in much of the national territory.

Authorities warn that the country continues to be under the influence of this phenomenon, which maintains a hot environment and puts even more pressure on the national electrical system.