Despite forecasts of fewer cyclones and below-average rainfall this season, the Caribbean’s lead climatologist is warning that a dangerous mix of drought, delayed rains, extreme heat and sudden flooding could still pose serious risks to Barbados and the wider region.

Dr Cedric Van Meerbeeck, who leads regional forecasting at the Caribbean Institute for Meteorology and Hydrology (CIMH), warned that water levels in reservoirs could be compromised, the rains needed to end the current wildfires may be delayed, and a predicted heatwave could cause deaths if it occurs immediately after a severe storm.

He told Barbados TODAY: “What we have been seeing so far in Barbados, because it’s been so dry, we have a lot of fires. Those fires will eventually be quenched by rainfall when the wet season rains start falling more regularly. That said, it is possible that in a year like this where we have an El Niño in place, which is developing right now, it could be a very strong one this year, we tend to have a delay of that wet season. So, that means the dryness may continue for a while.