Indomet forecasts moderate to heavy downpours, thunderstorms, and gusty winds during the afternoon; while in Greater Santo Domingo, occasional showers and maximum temperatures of up to 32 °C are expected
SANTO DOMINGO. – The Emergency Operations Center (COE) has expanded to nine the number of provinces under green alert due to the weather conditions forecast for the coming hours, as a result of the impact of a trough combined with the humidity levels present over the Dominican territory.
The provinces under this preventive measure are Monseñor Nouel, La Vega, Hermanas Mirabal, Duarte, Santiago, Espaillat, María Trinidad Sánchez, Monte Plata and Sánchez Ramírez, where the population is urged to stay attentive to official bulletins and adopt the corresponding precautionary measures.
According to the Dominican Institute of Meteorology (Indomet), the early morning hours will be mostly cloudy across much of the country. However, as the day progresses, increased cloud cover is expected, bringing moderate to locally heavy downpours, thunderstorms, and gusty winds.
Provinces on green alert
The COE maintains the following districts under this level of preventive surveillance: Monseñor Nouel, La Vega, Hermanas Mirabal, Duarte, Santiago, Espaillat, María Trinidad Sánchez, Monte Plata and Sánchez Ramírez.
The measure is in response to the possibility that rainfall could create hazardous situations in these areas, so authorities recommend paying attention to the evolution of atmospheric conditions.
Showers during the afternoon
According to the forecast from the Dominican Institute of Meteorology (Indomet), the combination of the trough and humidity will favor the development of cloud cover as the hours pass, mainly during the afternoon.
As a result, moderate rainfall is expected, which could be locally heavy, accompanied by lightning and gusts of wind.
These weather conditions could affect different locations across the country, so it is recommended to follow updates from official agencies.
The low-pressure area does not pose a danger to the country
On the other hand, the weather report indicates the presence of a non-tropical low pressure area, located hundreds of kilometers south of Bermuda.
This system has a 20% probability of cyclonic development during the next 48 hours and a 30% probability in the next seven days.
However, due to its location and projected movement, the phenomenon does not pose a danger to the Dominican Republic.
Caution is advised due to the high temperatures
Although maximum temperatures begin to gradually decrease, the heat index will remain high during the afternoon hours.
Given this situation, Indomet recommends that the population drink plenty of water, wear light-colored, lightweight clothing, stay in cool, well-ventilated spaces, and avoid direct exposure to sunlight between 11:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m.
COE urges people to avoid rivers and swimming areas
Given the predicted rainfall, the Emergency Operations Center recommended that residents of the provinces under alert refrain from crossing rivers, streams, and ravines with high water levels, due to the danger posed by potential flooding.
He also asked people to avoid using spas in the areas under surveillance as a preventive measure against the expected weather conditions.
Finally, the authorities urged citizens to stay informed through official bulletins and to comply with the guidelines of civil protection agencies while the alert remains in effect.
Forecast by region
Regarding weather conditions in Greater Santo Domingo, Indomet forecasts occasional cloud cover increases, accompanied by showers and some isolated thunderstorms.
The forecast by demarcation is as follows:
- National District: occasional cloud cover and local showers.
- Santo Domingo Norte: Scattered showers and isolated thunderstorms.
- Santo Domingo West: occasional cloudiness, passing showers and isolated thunderstorms.
- Santo Domingo East: occasional cloud cover with showers and isolated thunderstorms.
As for temperatures, minimums are expected to be between 23°C and 25°C, while maximums will range between 30°C and 32°C.
Forecast by region:
Rainfall decreases: COE maintains only three provinces on green alert
COE maintains 20 provinces on alert; places four on yellow and 16 on green due to rains
COE expands to 12 the provinces and the National District under yellow alert for rains
