Indomet forecasts scarce rainfall and high temperatures due to Saharan dust and low humidity

Santo Domingo. – The Dominican Republic's Meteorology Institute (Indomet) reported that no significant changes are expected this Friday in the atmospheric pattern over the national territory, due to a decrease in the moisture content in the air mass and an increase in Saharan dust particles.

These conditions will noticeably limit rainfall in a large part of the country, although isolated and passing showers are expected in the morning hours over locations such as María Trinidad Sánchez, Duarte, Samaná and Sánchez Ramírez. In the afternoon, the daytime heating and orographic effects, together with the east wind, could generate slight cloud increases with short-lived showers in provinces such as San Cristóbal, Monseñor Nouel, San José de Ocoa and La Vega.

Indomet indicated that a tropical wave will be approaching the territory, concentrating its greatest activity in the Caribbean Sea.

Conditions for Saturday

For Saturday, a new upper-level trough is expected, combined with the dragging of humidity due to the wind shift towards the east/northeast. This will cause cloud cover increases with passing showers during the morning in eastern and northeastern provinces such as La Altagracia, El Seibo, Hato Mayor, María Trinidad Sánchez, Samaná, San Pedro de Macorís, and La Romana. In the afternoon, showers will extend to areas of Monte Plata, Gran Santo Domingo, Monseñor Nouel, Peravia, San Cristóbal, Sánchez Ramírez and La Vega, although with a low probability of thunderstorms or wind gusts. The presence of Saharan dust will continue over the country during the weekend, contributing to the dry and hot environment.

Adverse Maritime Conditions

Indomet alerted about adverse maritime conditions on both coasts of the country. Fragile, small and medium-sized vessels are recommended to remain in port from Cabo San Rafael (La Altagracia) to Cabo Cabrón (Samaná), on the Atlantic coast, and from Cayo Pisaje (Barahona) to Cabo Beata (Pedernales), on the Caribbean coast. In the rest of the coastline, it is suggested to navigate with caution and not venture out to sea.

Cyclonic Surveillance in the Gulf of Mexico

In the international arena, an area of showers and thunderstorms associated with a low pressure system located in the north-central Gulf of Mexico is observed. Although it has a low probability of cyclonic development (10%) in the next 48 hours, this system does not pose a danger to the Dominican Republic.

Recommendations for High Temperatures

The Indomet reminded that summer is characterized by high temperatures, enhanced by the Saharan dust and the east/southeast winds. The population is advised to drink plenty of fluids, wear light-colored clothing, avoid direct sun exposure between 11:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., and pay special attention to children and the elderly, who are more vulnerable to the heat.

Forecast by sectors:

• National District: isolated clouds, sunny and hot
• Santo Domingo North: few clouds, sunny and hot
• Santo Domingo East: isolated clouds, sunny and hot
• Santo Domingo West: few clouds, sunny and hot

Temperatures: Lows between 21 °C and 23 °C; highs between 33 °C and 35 °C.