What is the Saharan Dust Storm?
During hurricane season and without fail, Cabarete sees a significant increase in heat, a change in wind patterns, and a few more people getting sick than usual. This is not just a coincidence. Like it does every year, the Saharan dust storm has made its way to the Caribbean. This “storm” is unlike the typical ones, where people stay inside to avoid intense amounts of wind, rain, or lightning. The storm is just dust being carried here by the wind. That’s it! Just dust and nothing more. So, where does the Saharan dust come from, and why is the heat suddenly so stifling? Does the storm affect Cabarete wind?
So, where does the Saharan Dust come from?
Saharan dust comes from the African region. In this region, clouds of dust form during the summer months and travel across Europe and North and South America. With these dust storms come increased heat and a change in the wind. Where in Africa does this dust come from? Well, it is not a big surprise, but the Saharan Desert, which is located in North Africa. Saharan dust emits more particles than any other desert in the world, but not to worry because over half of those particles fall into the ocean surrounding North Africa and the Saharan Desert.
Why does the Saharan dust storm cause an increase in heat and temperature?
Hot winds from the African region carry the sand and make it travel across continents and oceans. When those hot winds hit Cabarete, they stay there, which means increased heat. The Saharan dust storm also scatters the sun’s rays and makes them stronger, increasing the temperature.
Luckily you are in the perfect place to combat the heat! Our restaurant El Cocotazo Cafe serves some of the best cold drinks, and we are located right on the beach, so there will be a nice breeze. The ocean is also only ten steps away from our front door, so you could go for a swim or take a kitesurfing lesson with our state-of-the-art gear and IKO-certified instructors at Cabarete Kite Point. So, even though the temperature will be warmer, it is the perfect opportunity for you to get out on the water and enjoy our great food and drink selection.
How does the sand storm affect the Cabarete wind?
Just like we travel across oceans on an airplane, sand travels across oceans with the wind. When this wind hits Cab, it can change the kiting experience because it can cause the standard wind patterns to be less predictable. The change in the wind could be considered an issue because Cabarete is known for its consistent weather patterns. For example, the wind usually moves in an easterly direction here. But the Saharan dust messes that up. The Saharan wind clashing with the normal Cabarete wind can make the water messy.
We also tried researching the thermal effect and how the Saharan dust affects that but had difficulty finding information online. Let us know in the comments if you have any knowledge about it. To get more information on thermal wind, read this article we wrote on the wind seasons in Cabarete.
The Saharan dust storm also brings about a little bit of sickness with symptoms similar to that of a common cold. The Saharan dust storm can cause allergic reactions, sore throats, coughing, headaches, and stuffy noses. Still, not to fret; this is semi-normal given the circumstances! These symptoms are the way our bodies try to avoid the dust.
If you ever find yourself being affected by the dust, there is a Dominican tea recipe that you should try (and it will also help clear a common cold if you have one!) This tea is known as Dominican red onion tea, and it can cure common cold symptoms and boost immunity.
The Saharan dust storm is not as bad as it seems, though. Even though it could cause some sweatier days and a slight cough, the dust storm has its benefits. For starters, the dust storm can help suppress storms – even major ones – which is a big deal, especially if you are on a tropical island. We would take a dust storm over a hurricane any day! This is not the only benefit of the Saharan dust. The dust is rich with nutrients and minerals which better the lives of our rainforests and help sustain the lives of animals.
Ultimately, the Saharan dust storm is a reality that comes through without fail during the summer and fall months here in the Dominican Republic. While it has its downsides (as all things do!), it also does some great stuff.
If you want to find out more about the Saharan dust, the heat it brings, the wind patterns, and the thermal effect, check out these articles:
https://dominicantoday.com/dr/local/2022/05/19/saharan-dust-causes-suffocating-heat/
https://www.gotostcroix.com/climate-weather/saharan-dust-the-good-and-the-bad/