Barbadians are getting a temporary break from extreme heat, thanks to recent rainy conditions that have brought slightly lower temperatures compared to this time last year.
While slightly above-normal temperatures are still forecast in the coming weeks, the island is unlikely to face the intense heatwaves currently affecting parts of Europe and other regions.
Senior Meteorologist Semelka Jackman of the Barbados Meteorological Services told Barbados TODAY that although sea surface temperatures in the Atlantic are warmer than usual, they remain lower than last year’s levels.
She noted that the intense heat in Europe is driven by weather patterns that are not currently developing in the Caribbean.
“So the weather pattern in Europe is what’s causing them to have that record-breaking temperatures. But then when you look in our area, we [aren’t] having that kind of weather pattern for the record-breaking heatwave, so that’s not what we are expecting this year.”
Still, residents are being reminded that the island is now firmly in its hottest stretch of the year.
“We do expect slightly above normal temperatures. This is our heat season and we are moving into the hotter months of the year. But it is still not quite as high as last year and it’s not expected to be as high as last year in the coming months,” Jackman said.
While many are bracing for sweltering days, Jackman pointed out that the warmer nights can be even more uncomfortable for many households. “Last month, we saw the temperatures were slightly above normal, especially at night. That is something that tends to be a little bit more concerning because… we know we live in the tropics, it’s warm during the day, but at night it’s a little cooler and you get that relief. But if those minimum temperatures at night aren’t quite as low as we’re accustomed, we aren’t getting that sort of relief that you would like at night,” she explained.
That trend of warmer evenings is expected to continue into July. “That prediction is expected into this month, but we aren’t seeing anything where we [will] get any record-breaking events or record-breaking numbers to feel extreme, but you can definitely think about the element of not feeling quite as cool as you normally would at night—and especially moving into this time of the year where temperatures start to increase and it’s generally the hotter time of the year.”
While no major heat records or droughts are forecast for now, residents are still being encouraged to keep hydrated, take breaks from the sun where possible and look out for vulnerable groups such as the elderly and young children.
The Met Office has also advised the public to stay tuned to its daily bulletins and updates as the peak of the heat season approaches.
Meanwhile, a tropical wave is currently affecting the island but is expected to move away on Friday. (LG)
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