Spanish
Santo Domingo.– The Dominican Institute of Meteorology (Indomet) reported this Thursday that a light layer of Saharan dust, in combination with an anticyclonic system, is affecting the weather conditions in the country, significantly limiting cloud formation and the occurrence of significant rainfall.
This atmospheric combination has contributed to the increase in temperatures and a greater sensation of heat in a large part of the national territory, while reducing the probability of widespread rainfall.
However, the agency explained that during the morning there could be slight increases in cloudiness, with isolated and short-lived showers, mainly in provinces in the east and northeast such as La Altagracia, La Romana, Samaná and María Trinidad Sánchez.
In the afternoon and into the night, local effects such as daytime heating, orography, and warm, humid east/southeast winds could generate local showers and some isolated thunderstorms. These conditions are expected in mountainous and inland areas, affecting towns in Hato Mayor, El Seibo, Monte Plata, Azua, La Vega, Santiago, Santiago Rodríguez, Dajabón, San Juan, Elías Piña, Independencia, and Santo Domingo Norte.
Indomet recommends that the population stay hydrated, avoid prolonged exposure to the sun during peak hours, and take precautions against possible gusts of wind in areas with convective activity.
The phenomenon of Saharan dust is common at this time of year and, although it can limit rainfall, it can also affect air quality, so people with respiratory conditions are advised to take preventive measures.
