Meteorologist and weather analyst Jean Suriel has issued an alert regarding a new trough (vaguada) approaching the Caribbean, which is expected to trigger significant rainfall and flash flooding across the Dominican Republic starting 15 April 2026. Jean Suriel is the weather forecaster for CDN News.
The forecast indicates that a combination of a transient low-pressure system north of Puerto Rico and the incoming trough will intensify weather conditions. According to Suriel, the country is currently operating under a “new meteorological normal,” where weather systems evolve rapidly and deliver high-impact results in short timeframes.
Critical forecast timeline
The weather pattern is expected to evolve as follows:
• Wednesday, 15 April: Precipitation will increase significantly during the afternoon and evening hours, raising the risk of urban flooding, wind gusts, and electrical discharges.
• Thursday, 16 April: This is projected to be one of the most critical days. High humidity levels and the direct influence of the trough will produce heavy downpours nationwide, with flash floods likely after midday.
• Friday, 17 April: Unstable conditions will persist, with a high risk of river overflows, swelling of streams (cañadas), and landslides.
• The weekend: Rainy conditions are forecast to extend through the weekend, prolonging the period of environmental risk.
Areas of concern and safety recommendations
The Central Mountain Range (Cordillera Central) and northern regions are expected to see the highest accumulation of rain. Authorities and weather experts are urging the public to:
• Avoid water crossings: Refrain from attempting to cross rivers, streams, or cañadas that show high water levels or increased velocity.
• Stay clear of bathing areas: Do not use public swimming areas (balnearios) due to high water volume and turbidity.
• Monitor alerts: Stay informed through official bulletins as soil saturation increases the likelihood of landslides in vulnerable zones.
Recent reports indicate that more than 1.5 million water utility users have already been affected by the ongoing rains due to the turbidity of the water sources.
Read more in Spanish:
National Weather Institute
Jean Suriel Instagram
CDN
15 April 2026