Dominican Republic braces for extreme heat and showers as tropical wave hits

The Dominican Republic’s meteorological agency, Indomet, warned that a tropical wave over the eastern part of the country combined with a high‑level vagua to the west will generate scattered showers, thunderstorms and gusty winds across numerous provinces on Saturday, July 4. Rainfall is expected to persist into Sunday but will lessen as the wave moves away, while dust from the Sahara and the influence of El Niño keep temperatures unusually high, reaching up to 39 °C with heat indices well above normal, especially in the north, northwest and southwest. Typical daytime highs are 32‑34 °C and overnight lows 23‑25 °C.

The Ministry of Health issued an urgent appeal for the public to stay well‑hydrated, wear light, loose clothing, avoid prolonged sun exposure between 11:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m., limit strenuous activity and watch for signs of heatstroke such as elevated body temperature, headache, dizziness, nausea or confusion. Vulnerable groups – children, older adults and pregnant women – were specifically highlighted, and people showing symptoms were advised to seek immediate medical care.

The Civil Protection Agency (COE) placed ten provinces and the National District under a green alert due to the risk of flash floods, urban inundation and strong winds. Officials urged citizens not to cross swollen rivers or streams, avoid using beaches in the affected zones, and warned small‑boat operators about abnormal sea waves along the southern‑western coast.