Extreme heat and Sahara dust will mark the weekend in the DR

Santo Domingo.– Although the Dominican Republic is in the last quarter of the year, when temperatures usually begin to decrease, the country will continue to experience severe to extreme heat, according to the outlook from the Dominican Institute of Meteorology (Indomet).

The agency reported that, between September 9 and 15, a heat index exceeding 37 °C is expected for at least three consecutive days, with the highest incidence in the northwest region.

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In addition to the high temperatures, there will be a significant increase in Saharan dust concentrations over the weekend, which could exceed 100 micrograms per cubic meter (µg/m³).

According to the risk forecast from the NOAA Climate Prediction Center, there is a persistent high probability of intense heat in the Dominican territory, with levels ranging from severe to extreme in the northwest.

Although thermometers may not necessarily reach 40 °C, the heat index will be higher, especially in central and eastern parts of the country, where temperatures could exceed 35 °C for three consecutive days.

Temperatures of up to 39.3 °C

The behavior of temperatures over the past week reflects the intensity of the heat. Between September 2 and September 8, the highs ranged between 37.7 °C and 39.3 °C.

The highest temperature was recorded in Mao, Valverde, with 39.3 °C on September 6, followed by Sabaneta, Santiago Rodríguez, with 39.2 °C; Jimaní, Independencia, with 38.5 °C; Altamira, Puerto Plata, with 38.3 °C, and Santiago, with 38.2 °C.

Temperatures of 38.1 °C were also reported in Dajabón and 38.0 °C in La Vega, while San Francisco de Macorís reached 37.7 °C.

Recommendations for heat and the Sahara

Given these conditions, Indomet recommends drinking water frequently, wearing light, loose-fitting, and light-colored clothing, and avoiding direct sun exposure between 11:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m.

Older adults, pregnant women, and people with respiratory conditions are among the most vulnerable groups, so it is recommended to take extreme protective measures, especially during periods of higher heat and concentration of Sahara dust particles.