Caribbean told to brace for excessive heat for next three months

 

Caribbean countries are being warned to brace for excessive, humid heat over the next three months, culminating in heatwaves as the heat season peaks in August and September.

 

It comes from the Barbados-based Caribbean Climate Outlook Forum (CariCOF), which says the forecast is due to ENSO-neutral conditions, near-average sea surface temperatures in the Tropical North Atlantic and persistent warmth north of the Caribbean. 

 

In its latest publication, CariCOF said the humidity could also cause intense rainfall and shower frequency, peaking in September and October, resulting in high to extremely high potential for flooding, flash floods, cascading hazards and associated impacts. 

 

It has also warned of increasing Atlantic hurricane season activity into September. 

 

CariCOF says as of July 1 this year, severe or worst short-term drought has developed in southwest Belize, the northwestern Bahamas and southern part of central Cuba, while long-term drought is occurring in southwest Belize, northwestern Bahamas, central Cuba, northern Dominican Republic and south-central parts of Jamaica.