If Barbadians thought the first two weeks of September were scorchers, the Barbados Meteorological Service (BMS) is cautioning that it will be more of the same for the rest of the month as temperatures will rise.
In its Monthly Climate Outlook Newsletter, the BMS said the average temperature in July from its Charnocks station in Christ Church, was 30 degrees Celsius. When compared to the other stations, the local meteorologists said maximum temperatures were recorded as high as 34.7 degrees Celsius.
The weather professionals are urging Barbadians to prepare for maximum temperatures of between 31 degrees and 33 degrees Celsius.
Offering its outlook, the BMS said there was expected to be a general increase in maximum temperatures during September.
It noted: “Maximum temperatures ranging from around 31 to 33 degrees Celsius in western and south-western sections of the island [are expected in September]. Central parts of the island can also expect a gradual increase in maximum temperatures in September ranging from 28-30 degrees Celsius. A gradual decrease in temperature is expected from October into December as we enter the “cooler” part of the year.”
In its predictions, the BMS added: “Rainfall during the remainder of the hurricane season is expected to be above normal. Temperatures will generally be warmer in September which is usual during this time of year. There are no indications of drought up until the end of 2021 with respect to the expected rainfall totals. Short dry periods with little to no rainfall are, however, expected throughout this forecast period (September 2021 to February 2022).”
With respect to the amount of rainfall, the BMS’ experimental rainfall outlook models indicated rainfall accumulations between 150mm and 300mm across the island for the months of August and September respectively. (IMC1)
