Study: 80 more days a year above 30 C by mid-century

Barbados could face a “new normal” of longer and more frequent dry spells for up to four months of every year by mid-century, a new regional climate analysis has warned, placing growing pressure on water supplies, farming, public health and school sanitation.

The researchers warned that repeated climate shocks can eventually contribute to malnutrition, interruptions to schooling and other consequences for children that continue after the immediate event has passed.

The warning comes after months of warnings from forecasters about drought, below-normal rainfall and extreme heat, while low reservoir levels have affected water supply in some communities.