As Caribbean countries brace for the start of the 2026 Atlantic hurricane season on June 1, the Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency (CDEMA) is urging governments, businesses and households not to be lulled into complacency by forecasts predicting a below normal season.

Speaking during the annual regional hurricane season press conference hosted by CDEMA in conjunction with UWITv at CDEMA’s headquarters in Barbados, Executive Director Elizabeth Riley stressed that despite predictions of fewer storms, the Caribbean still faces serious threats from hurricanes, flooding, drought and extreme heat.

“This year, we are closely monitoring the guidance from our regional and international climate partners. The climate outlook released by the Caribbean Institute for Meteorology and Hydrology is expecting the season to be potentially less active than in recent years, with approximately 12 named storms, five hurricanes and two major hurricanes being forecast,” Riley said. (TRY)