Extended hot spells are expected to continue all the way to November, meteorological officials warn.
Barbadians are experiencing sweltering conditions as maximum temperatures have soared to between 30.1 degrees Celsius and 32.2 degrees Celsius over recent weeks, with the island recording some of its hottest days in the past week alone.
According to Brian Murray, deputy director of the Barbados Meteorological Services, the intense heat over the weekend was being driven by an unusual weather pattern caused by Tropical Storm Erin, which was north of the island.
“The maximum temperatures have been ranging from 30.1 to 32.2 within last week from August 16, have been between 32 and 32.2,” Murray explained, noting that the current temperatures were “almost on par with last year.”
Murray attributed the extreme conditions to two key factors linked to the tropical storm’s presence. First, the usual trade winds that typically provide relief have been significantly weakened.
“Instead of the usual 30 to 35 kilometres per hour, they were around ten to 21,” Murray said, referring to the dramatically reduced wind speeds that have left the island without its natural cooling mechanism. The second contributing factor is an unusual shift in wind direction.
“The winds were coming from the south. So it will pull the warmer air from the south, from the equator. And that’s why the days and the nights have been extremely hot,” Murray said.
Unfortunately for heat-weary residents, relief appears to be months away. The Barbados Meteorological Services is forecasting above-normal temperatures to persist well into the final months of the year.
“Based on our seasonal forecast for the temperature, they are projected to be above normal probably for the next three to four months. You’ll probably only get a cool down in December,” Murray said.
However, residents may find some temporary respite from the oppressive heat through periodic weather disturbances. Murray noted that “the heat will be disrupted by the showers and thunderstorms that pass associated with the tropical winds from time to time”. (DDS)
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