Latest rainfall situation and projection from BMS

In its latest rainfall situation and projection for the next few months, the Barbados Meteorological Services (BMS) said rain accumulations across the southern sections of the island have been extremely low.

Parishes such as St Philip, Christ Church, St John, southern St George, most of St Michael as well as southern St James have been experiencing very dry top soils and short vegetation has been drying out over the past few weeks. According to the BMS, these areas are where most of the grass fires have been sparking.

In higher elevation areas, although there is a reduction in precipitation, vegetation remains fair. However, in all areas, rain accumulations have not yielded much for aquifers over the past few months.

Latest short-term climate forecast from the BMS for rain accumulation over the next few months (up until June) is expected to be below normal. Previous forecasts of an early start to rains in May are no longer expected based on the latest predictions. However, from a statistical perspective, there could easily be an anomalous day in the coming months that gives some minor relief, but quickly thereafter it returns to low rain accumulations.

In summary, the BMS said it is expecting relief showers more so in June, aligning with the start of the wet season.