Though forecasters are predicting a less active Atlantic hurricane season this year, Caribbean countries are being warned not to lower their guard, as intense rainfall, flash flooding, drought and dangerous heat conditions remain major threats.

Executive Director of the Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency (CDEMA), Elizabeth Riley issued the caution during the agency’s annual regional press conference ahead of the start of the 2026 Atlantic hurricane season on June 1.

“The Atlantic hurricane season officially runs from June 1 to November 30th, but we in the Caribbean know that readiness cannot be confined to those dates as we experience many types of hazards throughout the year,” Riley said.