Jamaica and other islands in the northwestern Caribbean are expected to shelter under a developing heat spell following the ongoing drought conditions that have plunged major townships into a season of water restrictions.
At the same time, in the wider Caribbean, the dry season is forecast to be somewhat less intense for the next three months.
The Barbados-based Caribbean Climate Outlook Forum (CariCOF) said with the likely exception of the Bahamas, Cayman Islands, and Cuba, the core of the dry season over the next three months is forecast to be somewhat less intense than usual, with a few more wet days and wet spells than usual.
However, the National Water Commission (NWC) says a continued decline in inflows to surface water sources across the island due to the effects of drought conditions has forced the disruption of water supply to a wide number of areas in the corporate area.
It is understood that the water levels at Hermitage Dam and Mona Reservoir in Kingston currently stand at 54 percent and 70 percent, respectively.
Imposed restrictions have seen water supply restricted from schedule Monday (February 20) for residential areas and environs in the Corporate Area.
In its latest edition of the Caribbean Climate Outlook, CariCOF said that with little chance of excessive rainfall through March, “marginal to slight potential for flooding, flash floods, and cascading hazards is forecasted for most areas.”
“This potential is expected to increase to moderate levels in April. In contrast, drought concerns will likely continue in Cuba and dry spells are expected to be frequent across the region. No significant episodes of heat discomfort are expected through March, but heatwaves may occur in April, particularly in Belize, Cuba, Jamaica, and Trinidad,” CariCOF noted.
The NWC said it is considering the implementation of regulated supply schedules and other mitigating methods across the island. Trucking arrangements will be implemented to serve customers who cannot be served via the piped network.
In addition, the commission is encouraging customers to play their part in reducing the impact of the drought by using conservation methods.
