Caribbean braces for worsening drought as dry season nears

By Michelle Nurse On Sep 23, 2015

Drought and other weather conditions have been an active part of Jamaica’s history. (Photo via Jamaica Observer) — Drought expected to worsen. (Photo via Jamaica Observer)

SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico (AP) — The most severe drought to hit the Caribbean in recent years is expected to worsen despite rains from tropical storms that have replenished some reservoirs.

Forecasters say El Nino phenomenon is gathering strength and will continue to warm the tropical Pacific until early next year, which translates into sparse rainfall for this largely parched region as the dry season approaches.

“The real concern will come late in the year,” said Adrian Trotman, a forecaster with the Caribbean Institute for Meteorology and Hydrology. “We are definitely in a period of relief, but it’s quite likely the relief will not be as long-lived as we would like it to be.”