The National Meteorological Office (Onamet) reported that for today, Thursday, thunderstorms would continue over large areas of the country. They are forecasting afternoon and evening thunderstorms, and temperatures will remain high. The rains are due to the dominant easterly winds caused by a high-pressure system over the Atlantic. Onamet is also warning small craft along the Atlantic Coast and around Samana Bay to stay close to shore. Small craft warnings are also in effect for the Caribbean coastline and medium-sized craft are urged to stay close to shore due to unusually high wave activity.
The lead story in today’s Listin Diario says that Onamet is forecasting plenty of rain over the next five days, pointing out that this will ease the severe drought that is affecting some areas, such as Santiago Rodriguez and the northwest border region. Illustrated with photographs of dry cattle carcasses and cracked earth, the report says that cattle ranchers and farmers alike are suffering from the lack of water. Farmers interviewed said that they are just waiting for the rains to begin planting short-cycle crops. Right now the land and fields are barren.