No drought worry

Despite the extreme heat, meteorological authorities are giving the assurance that there is no need for concern about agricultural drought between now and January next year.

In its latest monthly climate outlook newsletter, the Barbados Meteorological Service (BMS) also informed that the drought alert for drinking water supply from sources such as aquifers, for the same period, has been downgraded from a warning to a watch.

It attributed this situation to the fact that “conditions at some aquifers are showing improvement.”

“Although current model output suggests less rainfall than previous predictions, slightly below to average rainfall accumulations are predicted till at least November. Based on the recent pattern of high-intensity events interspersed with occasional periods of rainfall, it is possible that if the major climatic drivers persist in their current state, rainfall should be enough to maintain aquifers at suitable levels,” the BMS said.

However, the weather agency has cautioned Barbadians to still tread carefully in the use of potable water.

“Keeping in mind that we are a water scare country, members of the public should continue to employ water conservation practices regardless of drought alert levels. Given reports from the BWA [Barbados Water Authority] that some of the aquifers are beginning to show improvement, the hydrological warning has been downgraded to watch, as advised by the Barbados Water Authority,” the outlook added.

While the BMS says there is no need to worry about a severe lack of water affecting farmers during the period, consumers should be aware of how the water supply issue will play out each month, and act accordingly.

For instance, as the country remains under a drought watch this month, it will switch to “be aware” status next month, “no concern” for November and December, but return to “be aware” category in January. The BMS explained that “be aware” means that the public should monitor the BWA and the Ministry of Agriculture for any changes to the drought outlook.

Farmers have also been advised to keep monitoring their resources, upgrade their infrastructure and update and ratify their irrigation plans during the drought alert period.

The general population has been advised to protect their resources and conserve water, implement management plans, response training and monitor and repair infrastructure.

(EJ)