Dominican Republic battles Sahara dust haze and respiratory issues

Sahara dust clouds travel roughly 6,000 kilometres across the Atlantic and reach the Dominican Republic each summer between May and September. Satellite monitoring by the National Meteorology Office (Onamet) began in the late 1990s, allowing early alerts for the phenomenon.

The dust brings opaque skies, stifling heat and a rise in respiratory problems. Health officials report increased cases of asthma, sinusitis, nasal congestion and skin allergies. The article notes that “this phenomenon causes opaque skies, stifling heat and an increase in respiratory and skin allergies,” and daytime thermal sensations can reach 37‑42 °C.

The haze also affects other Caribbean islands, including Cuba and Jamaica, which experience similar health impacts during the dust season.