The Territory can look forward to more extreme weather events for the remainder of the hurricane season. Almost six weeks into the season we have already seen record breaking tropical events, with the first category 5 hurricane this side of the Atlantic basin at this time of the year. There continues to be record breaking heat temperatures recorded globally, as this is the thirteenth consecutive month for record breaking temperatures.
The regional climate centre at the Caribbean Institute for Meteorology and Hydrology is hinting that region could be experience opposite extremes in weather events in the coming months. These extremes include excessive heat events and more frequent severe storms.
What the Virgin Islands can expect for July-August-September?
July-August
- Mid-summer dry spell
- Frequent oppressive humid heat episodes
August-September
- Increasingly frequent heavy showers
- Severe tropical cyclone and severe weather (line up with the peak of the season and the above average predicted season).
- More severe tropical cyclones like Beryl are possible
Implications:
- High potential for flash flooding and landslides
- Increased health risks due to standing water
- Increase health conditions due to heat stress
- Increasingly frequent disruptions of outdoor activities ( bare in mind the carnival season / other activities)
https://wmo.int/media/news/record-temperature-streak-continues-june
Photo source:
Harvard Health Publishing
Disclaimer: The Department of Disaster Management (DDM) is not a Meteorological Office. Information shared by the Department is gathered from a number of professional sources contracted by the Department. This information should be used as a guide for anyone who has an interest in local weather conditions. By no means can DDM or the Government of the Virgin Islands be held accountable by anyone who uses this information appropriately for legal evidence or in justification of any decision, which may result in the loss of finances, property or life