HOT SPOT

Weather watchers on Thursday warned that heat-related illnesses will likely rise as the heat season approaches. The development comes despite forecasts of near-average to above-average rainfall for the rest of the dry season and into the wet season which begins in June.

An Agricultural Drought Watch will remain in effect for April, despite the prediction of near to above-normal rainfall accumulations towards the end of the month, the Barbados Meteorological Services (BMS) said in its latest Climate Outlook Newsletter. But, the agency noted, rainfall levels are expected to rise during May and into the wet season, and the drought alert level will likely be adjusted downwards in the longer term.

The Barbados Water Authority also reported that water levels in its aquifers are dropping but remain at typical dry season levels. As a result, a Hydrological Drought Watch remains in place for April, and a Drought Warning may be issued for May and June.

March saw a rainfall total of 58.9 mm, which is 20 mm higher than the climatological average recorded at the BMS’ Charnocks, Christ Church base. The Met Office attributed the dry conditions to the influence of the Atlantic high-pressure system, although the central districts received higher rainfall due to their higher elevations.

The BMS said: “Rainfall accumulations for March were centred around six rain days, for which one day alone made up more than half the rainfall recorded for the month. Thus, the dry season continues to be felt across Barbados with drought-like conditions being observed in the agricultural sector.”

March also continued the trend of above-normal temperatures observed since last June, with the mean maximum temperature at Charnocks being 0.8 degrees Celsius higher than the average at 29.7 degrees Celsius, and the mean minimum temperature 1.6 degrees Celsius higher than the climatological average of 23.4 degrees Celsius.

Warm temperatures were also apparent at weather stations across the island, with maximum temperatures ranging from 29.3 degrees Celsius to 33.4 degrees Celsius and minimum temperatures ranging from 20.9 degrees Celsius to 24.8 degrees Celsius. Seven stations recorded maximum temperatures that peaked above 32 degrees Celsius.  The above-normal temperatures are forecast to continue until September.

The Met Office urged the public to conserve water, regardless of the drought alert level, as the island prepares for the potential impact of the upcoming heat season and the transition into La Niña conditions during the rainy/hurricane season that begins on June 1. (FW)