Dominican Republic endures heat, Saharan dust and heavy rains

The Dominican Republic is experiencing a hot, dry spell as Saharan dust spreads across the island, keeping skies mostly sunny and temperatures between 33 °C and 35 °C. The Institute Dominican de Meteorología (Indomet) warned that children, the elderly and pregnant women are most vulnerable and advised people to stay hydrated, wear light clothing and avoid prolonged sun exposure.

A mid‑level atmospheric trough (vaguada) is expected to bring moderate-to‑strong showers and isolated thunderstorms across many provinces on Wednesday, including Samaná, María Trinidad Sánchez, Duarte, Espaillat, Puerto Plata, Monte Plata, San Cristóbal, San Juan, La Vega and others. Winds gusts and possible flooding in urban areas were also highlighted.

Tropical Storm Bertha, located west of Panama City in the Atlantic, is being monitored but, according to Indomet, its current track poses no danger to the Dominican Republic. Small and medium‑sized vessels operating off the south‑west coast of Pedernales were urged to remain close to the shore due to strong winds and hazardous seas.