No relief from heat

Met Office says warm temperatures to continue until September/October By Sheria Brathwaite Barbadians will not get relief from the current hot weather anytime soon. Director of the Barbados Meteorological Services Sabu Best advised said in a statement on Monday that based on projected patterns, the warm temperatures will continue until either September or October. He was speaking against the background of a recent report from the World Meteorological Organisation which indicated that the first week of the month was the hottest on record due to above-average sea surface temperatures. “This is a trend that we are also seeing here in Barbados, with maximum temperatures ranging between 30 degrees Celsius and 35 degrees Celsius from June 1 to July 13, with higher temperatures along the western portions of the island,” he said. “Model guidance indicates that this pattern is projected to continue until September/October as the hot season – typically between June and October – peaks, which fits with the climatic indicators of El Niño and particularly the above normal sea surface temperatures.” Speaking specifically about the temperatures last month, Best said June was one of the warmest on record, adding that the maximum temperature was just 0.1 Celsius shy of the hottest June on record, which was in 2006 and the maximum temperature then was 32.7 degrees Celsius. He said the minimum (27.7 degrees Celsius) and average (28.5 degrees Celsius) temperatures recorded for June this year had also exceeded the climatological norms. As it relates to rainfall, the meteorologist said the rains from Tropical Storm Bret on June 22 and the tropical wave that affected the island on June 27 were the only instances of above-normal rainfall for the year thus far. He said that while those events offered significant relief from the agricultural drought, below-average rainfall was still expected up until October, particularly across the southern portions of the island. “Although the rains have started, we still expect some dry periods, particularly along the southern sections of the island, which may negatively impact the agricultural sector for short periods during the coming months . . . . Although foliage across the island has improved, farmers are encouraged to ensure that adequate cooling and fresh drinking water be made available for livestock. “Expect temperatures to peak in urban areas around 35 degrees Celsius to 36 degrees Celsius in the coming months. Therefore, persons should ensure that they remain hydrated and follow best practices and recommendations from the Ministry of Health and Wellness. Nighttime temperatures will continue to be above average, thus in some cases making the nights relatively uncomfortable. The public must continue to employ water conservation methods, as recommended by the Barbados Water Authority,” Best added. sheriabrathwaite@barbadostoday.bb]]>