Residents of the Dominican Republic are bracing for a sweltering day this Friday, as a thick plume of Saharan dust drifting across the Central Caribbean has triggered forecasts of record-breaking high temperatures and oppressive heat conditions, national meteorological services have confirmed.
Unusually high temperatures were already detected across most regions of the island nation starting before dawn, as the dense airborne dust layer creates a insulating effect that traps heat near the Earth’s surface, preventing the typical overnight cooling that brings relief after warm days. By the early hours of the morning, thermometers already recorded elevated readings uncharacteristic of that time of day: the capital city of Santo Domingo hit 28°C, Santiago registered 25°C, the mountain town of Constanza reached 22°C, and both coastal Samaná and northern Montecristi climbed to 27°C.
Meteorological experts note that this extreme heat event is driven by a rare combination of atmospheric conditions: as solar radiation builds throughout the day, the trapped heat from the Saharan dust will amplify rising temperatures, pushing peak afternoon highs to between 37°C and 38°C across much of the country. When combined with humidity, the ‘feels-like’ heat index is projected to soar as high as 45°C, creating dangerous, sweltering conditions that put vulnerable populations at risk of heat-related illness.
In response to the forecasted extreme weather event, national public safety and health authorities have issued urgent public guidance to help residents stay safe. The guidelines emphasize constant hydration, urging people to drink water regularly throughout the day even when they do not feel thirsty, and even in air-conditioned indoor spaces. Authorities also advise the public to avoid extended time outdoors during the midday and afternoon peak heat hours, and call for extra monitoring and protection for outdoor workers, including construction crews, municipal staff, electrical maintenance teams, and other laborers who face constant exposure to extreme heat.