Slower than usual decrease in rainfall predicted for Caribbean region – CIMH

“In contrast, drought concerns arise in Cuba and The Bahamas, which may end up even drier than usual. In the Guianas, the secondary wet season comes with a high likelihood of excessive rainfall, resulting in high flood potential, rising water levels in soils, rivers and reservoirs through February. No heat discomfort is expected in this season,” it added.

CIMH said that as of November, moderate or worse short-term drought has developed in much of Cuba, western Haiti, northwestern Martinique, St. Barts and in St. Vincent, while long-term drought has developed in Antigua, Western Cuba, southwestern Hispaniola, southern Jamaica, Martinique, St. Barts and St. Vincent.

The CIMH is predicting that over the next three months, there is high potential for flooding, flash floods, land slides / rock fall  and soil erosion from very wet and extreme wet spells in the  Guianas.

“Potential decreasing from moderate to high in  December to marginal by February in the islands. Slower depletion of large water reservoirs in the Greater and Lesser Antilles (and) slowly increasing wildfire potential by the end of February.” ( CMC)

 

PHOTO: BBC