Dominican Republic Health Ministry Urges Precautions as Sahara Dust and Heat Rise

The Dominican Republic’s Ministry of Health warned citizens to reinforce preventive measures as dense Saharan dust plumes combine with unusually high temperatures. Minister Víctor Atallah urged people—especially children, the elderly, pregnant women, immunocompromised individuals and those with chronic respiratory conditions—to stay well‑hydrated, wear light‑coloured clothing, limit outdoor exposure between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., keep indoor surfaces damp to reduce dust accumulation, and avoid rubbing eyes. The ministry reminded that the dust season typically occurs from May to August and can exacerbate asthma, COPD, allergies, pneumonia and other lung diseases.

The Dominican Institute of Meteorology (INDOMET) reported a high‑pressure system keeping humidity low while dust concentrations rise, forecasting sunny, hot conditions across most of the country. It echoed the health ministry’s advice on hydration, shade and protective clothing, and cautioned that people sensitive to airborne particles should follow medical recommendations to prevent complications.