By Saskia Warrick
The Caribbean Institute for Meteorology and Hydrology has issued a warning about the upcoming hurricane season, predicting a hyperactive season with significant risks of excessive heatwaves and intensified rainfall.
Forecasters anticipate the occurrence of 29 storms, including 13 hurricanes, with 7 of them potentially escalating into major hurricanes.
The hurricane season, set to span from June 1 to November 30, raises concerns about recurrent heatwaves exacerbated by Saharan dust and heightened chances of flooding due to an intensified wet season.
To address these concerns, experts have convened for a two-day Caribbean Climate Outlook Forum.
The workshop aims to raise awareness and enhance preparedness across climate-sensitive sectors such as agriculture, food security, disaster management, and public health.
Agrometeorologist Adrian Trotman, representing the Caribbean Institute for Meteorology and Hydrology, emphasized the importance of effectively communicating the forecasted conditions to stakeholders.
Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha stressed the significance of such workshops in addressing key areas of concern and advised experts to focus on proactive measures.
Given the predicted climate extremes in 2024, individuals are urged to stay informed by following updates from local meteorological centers and taking necessary precautions.