SANTO DOMINGO – The Dominican Institute of Meteorology (INDOMET) reported in a bulletin issued yesterday, Wednesday, at 2:00 p.m., that sweltering heat will persist over much of the country during the week of August 12-18. The institution attributes the phenomenon to the warmest time of year, the prevailing east and southeast winds, teleconnection effects associated with El Niño, and the presence of Saharan dust, which will continue to affect the country until Monday, August 17.
According to the report, the maximum temperatures recorded between August 5 and 11 ranged from 37.7 to 39.0 degrees Celsius. The highest values were measured in Jimaní, Independencia province, where the thermometer reached 39.0 degrees on the 5th, and in Monción, Santiago Rodríguez province, with 37.7 degrees on the 6th. INDOMET described the period as very hot across much of the country.
The risk forecast, compiled using data from NOAA's Climate Prediction Center (CPC), indicates a high probability of temperatures exceeding 33 degrees Celsius for at least three consecutive days across much of the Dominican Republic, while the northern region has a moderate to high probability of temperatures surpassing 37 degrees Celsius. INDOMET does not rule out severe weather conditions, particularly in the northern and western parts of the country.
Given this situation, the institution recommends staying well hydrated, wearing light-colored, lightweight clothing, remaining in cool places, and avoiding direct sun exposure between 11:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. INDOMET added that the presence of Saharan dust requires extra precautions for people with respiratory illnesses, the elderly, children, and pregnant women, whom it urged to stay tuned to the official bulletins that the agency will continue to issue.
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