More rain expected in next few months but not much for the west

By Nakinskie Robinson    

 

Director of the Meteorological Service, Evan Thompson, says increased rainfall is expected in the coming months except for some western parishes.

 

The increased rainfall across eastern and central parishes over the next two months will be considered normal.

 

"Based on the level of rainfall that we experienced during March, the drought conditions have been exacerbated and they are becoming more severe for the parishes that we're already seeing a deficit and then there is an expansion to more parishes. So what we're looking at now is the projection where we are seeing still that we will have some amount of drying at the beginning of the period but as we move into May and into June we do expect an increase in rainfall," said Mr. Thompson, who was speaking during a press conference on Monday regarding the water supply in Negril, Westmoreland.

 

While central and eastern parishes will get more rainfall, Mr. Thompson said current drought conditions are expected to worsen for Westmoreland and Hanover. 

 

Pointing to a chart of rainfall projections, he said the western end of the island is "likely to remain brown for a little bit longer than the rest of the country". 

 

Minister with responsibility for Water, Matthew Samuda, said the government remains concerned about the impact of the extended dry period on households across the island.

 

The minister, who was also at the press conference, said the government has been engaging the relevant entities to minimise water supply disruptions.

 

Close to half a million gallons of water have already been trucked across Hanover and Westmoreland.

 

The government said it will also be sourcing water from several rivers across the two parishes.