SPI Monitor March 2013

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Disclaimer

The information contained herein is provided with the understanding that The Caribbean Institute for Meteorology and Hydrology makes no warranties, either expressed or implied, concerning the accuracy, completeness, reliability, or suitability of the Outlook. The information may be used freely by the public with appropriate acknowledgement of its source, but shall not be modified in content and then presented as original material.

*Please note that from the December 2012 issue, information on any potential hot-spots or areas of concern will be added at the end of the discussion*

 

Discussion

March 2013

During March, there was a distinct difference between the normal to above normal north and the normal to below normal south in the eastern Caribbean and Guyana. Trinidad, St. Vincent, St Lucia, St. Kitts and Anguilla were normal; Tobago moderately dry; Grenada and Barbados extremely dry; Dominica abnormally dry; Antigua extremely wet; St. Croix moderately wet and Guyana normal in the west to moderately dry in the east. Puerto Rico was normal and Dominican Republic predominantly normal apart from the extreme west that was abnormally dry. Jamaica was normal in the west and abnormally wet in the east, but Cayman Islands normal. Central areas of Cuba were abnormal to moderately dry, while the west was normal to abnormally wet and the east normal. Conditions in Belize range from abnormally wet in the south to extremely dry in the north.

January 2013 to March 2013

Apart from Antigua that was abnormally wet, the calendar year thus far in the eastern Caribbean and Guyana has manifested a normal to below normal dry season. Trinidad, Tobago, Grenada, St. Vincent and St. Lucia were normal; Barbados severely dry; Dominica extremely dry; St. Kitts, Anguilla and St. Croix abnormally dry; and Guyana normal in the west to moderately dry in the east. Puerto Rico was normal to abnormally dry while the Dominica Republic ranged from moderately dry in the west to normal in the east. Jamaica was normal but Cayman Islands abnormally dry. Western and eastern areas were normal in Cuba, while the central areas ranged from abnormal to severely dry. Conditions in Belize ranged from abnormally wet in the south to abnormally dry in the north.

October 2012 to March 2013

For the six month period, apart from St. Kitts that was abnormally wet, the eastern Caribbean and Guyana were normal to below normal. Trinidad, Tobago, St. Lucia, Antigua and Anguilla were normal; Grenada moderately dry; Barbados, Dominica and St. Croix severely dry; and Guyana, apart from its eastern extremes that were abnormally dry, was normal. Puerto Rico was abnormally dry but the Dominican Republic abnormal to moderately wet. Jamaica was normal but the Cayman Islands extremely dry. The western half of Cuba was moderate to severely dry, while the eastern portion was abnormal to exceptionally dry. Conditions in Belize were moderately dry in the south and abnormally dry in the north.

April 2012 to March 2013

Conditions in the eastern Caribbean and Guyana were diverse for the twelve month period. Trinidad, Tobago and St. Kitts were abnormally wet; Grenada and St. Vincent abnormally dry; Barbados, St. Lucia, Antigua and Anguilla normal; Dominica and St. Croix severely dry; and Guyana normal in the west and abnormally dry in the east. Puerto Rico was predominantly normal but the Dominican Republic abnormal to moderately wet. Jamaica was normal in the west and abnormally wet in the east, while Cayman Islands was normal. Cuba was predominantly normal apart from some central areas that were abnormally wet. Conditions in Belize range from moderately dry in the west and south to abnormally wet in the north.

Note:

NOTE:Concerns over drought conditions have been lessened in some islands, particularly those in the extreme north of the eastern chain. Concern remains in the central portion of the chain, particularly around Grenada, Barbados and Dominica; and in the vicinity of Cuba in the west. There is much optimism, however, that conditions will improve as they have been since late March in the eastern Caribbean and particularly so by the end of April.

SPI Monitor February 2013

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Disclaimer

The information contained herein is provided with the understanding that The Caribbean Institute for Meteorology and Hydrology makes no warranties, either expressed or implied, concerning the accuracy, completeness, reliability, or suitability of the Outlook. The information may be used freely by the public with appropriate acknowledgement of its source, but shall not be modified in content and then presented as original material.

*Please note that from the December 2012 issue, information on any potential hot-spots or areas of concern will be added at the end of the discussion*

 

Discussion

February 2013

Conditions in the eastern Caribbean and Guyana were normal to below normal. Trinidad was severely dry; Tobago abnormally dry; Grenada, St. Lucia and Guyana normal; Barbados, St. Vincent, St. Kitts, Anguilla and St. Croix moderately dry; Dominica extremely dry; and Antigua exceptionally dry. Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republic were predominantly normal. Jamaica was normal in the west and abnormally dry in the east. Conditions in Cuba ranged from extremely dry in west-central areas to moderately dry in the extreme west and east. The Cayman Islands and Belize were normal.

December 2012 to February 2013

For the three month period, there was a distinction between the normal to above normal south and normal to below normal north. Trinidad and St. Lucia were abnormally wet; Tobago and Grenada moderately wet; Barbados, St. Vincent and Guyana normal; Dominica and St. Kitts moderately dry; and Anguilla, Antigua and St. Croix severely dry. Puerto Rico was normal, but the Dominican Republic was predominantly moderately dry, except for the eastern extremity that was abnormally dry. Apart from the western extremity that was abnormally dry, Jamaica was moderately dry. Conditions in Cuba varied from above to severely dry in the west to normal to abnormally dry in the east. Cayman Islands and the southern extremity of Belize were abnormally dry while the remainder of Belize was normal.

September 2012 to February 2013

Conditions in the eastern Caribbean and Guyana were normal to below normal for the six month period. Trinidad, Tobago, St. Lucia, St. Kitts and Guyana were normal; Grenada and Barbados severely dry; St. Vincent and Anguilla moderately dry; Dominica exceptionally dry; Antigua abnormally dry; and St. Croix extremely dry. Puerto Rico was moderately dry but the Dominican Republic normal. Conditions in Jamaica ranged from abnormally dry in the west to abnormally wet in the east. Cuba ranged from moderately dry in the north to extremely dry in the west and east-central areas. Cayman Islands was exceptionally dry while Belize was predominantly moderately dry apart from its northern and southern extremities that were severely dry.

March 2012 to February 2013

Diverse conditions prevailed in the eastern Caribbean and Guyana for the twelve month period. Trinidad and Tobago were moderately wet; Grenada, Barbados, St. Lucia, Antigua and Anguilla normal; Dominica and St. Croix severely dry; St. Kitts abnormally wet; and Guyana normal in the west and abnormally dry in the east. Puerto Rico was normal while the Dominican Republic was predominantly moderately wet apart from south-western areas that were very wet. Jamaica was normal in the west and abnormally wet in the east. Cuba was predominantly normal apart from areas in the south west that were below normal and in the very north that were above normal. Cayman Islands was normal, but Belize ranged from moderately dry in the west to moderately wet in the north.

Note:

Interest in the western Caribbean, more specifically Belize, Cayman Islands, Cuba and Jamaica, should pay particular attention to water availability and monitor water resources as predominantly dry conditions prevailed in many areas of this part of the basin over the past few months and is likely to persist during March into April. The concern over severely dry conditions in the northern portion of the eastern Caribbean has intensified, and in fact has expanded its geographical area further south, and all the way to Grenada. Interests in these areas should take precautions against severely low water levels. Some countries may have to issue drought and water watches or alerts if conditions continue to persist during March as expected.

SPI Monitor January 2013

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Disclaimer

The information contained herein is provided with the understanding that The Caribbean Institute for Meteorology and Hydrology makes no warranties, either expressed or implied, concerning the accuracy, completeness, reliability, or suitability of the Outlook. The information may be used freely by the public with appropriate acknowledgement of its source, but shall not be modified in content and then presented as original material.

*Please note that from the December 2012 issue, information on any potential hot-spots or areas of concern will be added at the end of the discussion*

Discussion

January 2013

Diverse rainfall conditions were experienced in the eastern Caribbean and Guyana during the month. Trinidad, Tobago, Grenada and St. Vincent were abnormally wet; Barbados, St. Lucia, Antigua and St. Kitts normal; Dominica, Anguilla and St. Croix moderately dry; and Guyana ranged from normal in the west to moderately dry in the east. Puerto Rico, the Dominican Republic, Jamaica and Cayman Islands were moderately dry. Western Cuba ranged from normal to moderately dry while eastern areas were normal to abnormally wet .Conditions in Belize ranged from moderately wet in the west to normal to the north and south.

November 2012 to January 2013

In the eastern Caribbean and Guyana, there was a general distinction between the normal to above normal north and normal to below normal north, for the three month period. Trinidad and St. Lucia were abnormally wet; Tobago moderately wet; Grenada normal; Barbados abnormally dry; Dominica, Antigua and St. Kitts severely dry; Anguilla and St. Croix moderately dry; and Guyana normal apart from the extreme north. Puerto Rico was abnormally dry, but the Dominican Republic was normal. Jamaica was abnormally dry in the west and moderately dry in the east, while Cayman Islands was extremely dry. Conditions in Cuba ranged from abnormal to extremely dry, with the west being the driest region in the country. Belize was moderately dry.

August 2012 to January 2013

For the six month period, conditions in the eastern Caribbean and Guyana were very diverse. Trinidad, St. Lucia and St. Kitts were normal; Barbados, St. Vincent and Antigua abnormally dry; Anguilla moderately dry; Grenada and St. Croix severely dry; Dominica extremely dry; and Guyana normal in the north and abnormally dry further south. Puerto Rico was abnormal to moderately wet but the Dominican Republic moderately wet in central areas to normal in the east. Conditions in Jamaica ranged from abnormally dry in the west to moderately wet in the east, while Cayman Islands was moderately dry. Belize was moderately dry in the west and severely dry in the east.

February 2012 to January 2013

In the eastern Caribbean and Guyana Trinidad was moderately wet; Tobago very wet; St. Kitts moderately wet; Grenada, Barbados, St. Vincent, St. Lucia, Antigua and Anguilla normal; Dominica moderately dry; St. Croix severely dry; and Guyana normal except for the extreme north. Puerto Rico was normal. Conditions in the Dominican Republic ranged from moderately wet to very wet in central areas, but in Jamaica the range was from abnormally dry in the west to abnormally wet in the east. The majority of Cuba was normal to abnormally dry, but reached extreme dryness in eastern Cuba. Cayman Islands was normal, but conditions in Belize ranged from moderately dry in the west to abnormally wet in the north.

Note:

Interest in the western Caribbean should pay particular attention to water availability and monitor water resources as predominantly dry conditions prevailed in many areas of this part of the basin over the past few months. This is made even more important as normal to below normal dry season rainfall are predicted for the next three months. The northern portion of the eastern Caribbean should take similar precautions, even though normal to above normal conditions are expected during January to March 2013. More specifically therefore, Belize, Cayman Islands, Cuba and Jamaica in the west and from Dominica northward to St. Croix should take precaution.

SPI Monitor December 2012

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Disclaimer

The information contained herein is provided with the understanding that The Caribbean Institute for Meteorology and Hydrology makes no warranties, either expressed or implied, concerning the accuracy, completeness, reliability, or suitability of the Outlook. The information may be used freely by the public with appropriate acknowledgement of its source, but shall not be modified in content and then presented as original material.

*Please note that from the December 2012 issue, information on any potential hot-spots or areas of concern will be added at the end of the discussion*

 

Discussion

December 2012

In the eastern Caribbean and Guyana, there was a clear distinction between the normal to above normal south and normal to below normal north. Trinidad and Barbados were abnormally wet; Tobago, Grenada, and St. Lucia moderately wet; Guyana from extremely wet in the north to normal in the east; St. Vincent and Dominica normal; Antigua and Anguilla; moderately dry; and St. Kitts and St. Croix abnormally dry. Puerto Rico was normal to abnormally wet, while the Dominican Republic was predominantly normal. Jamaica ranged from moderately dry in the west to normal in the east. Apart from the extreme east of the country that was abnormally wet, Cuba was predominantly normal; and so too was the Cayman Islands. Conditions in Belize ranged from moderately dry in the south to normal in the north.

October 2012 to December 2012

For the three month period, conditions in the eastern Caribbean and Guyana were diverse. Trinidad, St. Vincent, Antigua and Anguilla were normal; Tobago and St. Lucia abnormally wet; St. Kitts moderately wet; Grenada, Barbados, Dominica and St. Croix moderately dry; and Guyana from moderately wet in the north to normal in the south. Puerto Rico and Jamaica were normal, however conditions in the Dominican Republic were very wet in central areas and moderately wet on the outskirts. Conditions in Cuba ranged from normal to extremely dry. Cayman Islands was extremely dry, while conditions in southern Belize were moderate and the northern areas abnormally dry.

July 2012 to December 2012

As like the three month period, rainfall in the eastern Caribbean and Guyana was diverse. Trinidad and Dominica were moderately dry; Tobago normal; Grenada, St. Vincent, St. Croix severely dry; Barbados, Antigua and Anguilla abnormally dry; St. Lucia and St. Kitts abnormally wet; and apart from the northern extreme that was abnormally wet, Guyana was normal. Puerto Rico was normal but the Dominican Republic was abnormal to moderately wet. Conditions in Jamaica ranged from abnormally dry to moderately wet, but Cayman Islands was severely dry. Conditions in Cuba ranged from normal to exceptionally dry, while Belize was severely dry in south and western areas and extremely dry in northern and eastern areas.

January 2012 to December 2012

Rainfall totals in 2012 reflected diverse conditions in the eastern Caribbean and Guyana. Trinidad was moderate to very wet; Tobago extremely wet; Grenada, Barbados, St. Vincent, Antigua and Anguilla normal; St. Lucia abnormally wet; St. Kitts moderately wet; Dominica and St. Croix moderately dry; and Guyana abnormal to moderately wet. Puerto Rico was abnormally wet in the west and normal in the east, while the Dominican Republic ranged from extremely wet in the northeast to moderately wet moving out toward the ourskirts. Conditions in Jamaica ranged from abnormally dry in the west to abnormally wet in the east, while Cayman Islands was normal. The western half of Cuba was predominantly normal, but the eastern half ranged from normal to extremely dry. Conditions in Belize ranged from moderately dry in the south to moderately wet in the north.

Note:

NOTE: Interest in the western Caribbean should pay particular attention to water availability and monitor water resources as predominantly dry conditions prevailed in many areas of this part of the basin over the past few months. This is made even more important as normal to below normal dry season rainfall are predicted for the next three months. During December, some relief has been experienced to the very dry conditions prevailing in the south eastern Caribbean.

SPI Monitor November 2012

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Disclaimer

The information contained herein is provided with the understanding that The Caribbean Institute for Meteorology and Hydrology makes no warranties, either expressed or implied, concerning the accuracy, completeness, reliability, or suitability of the Outlook. The information may be used freely by the public with appropriate acknowledgement of its source, but shall not be modified in content and then presented as original material.

*Please note that from February 2012, the SPI calculations are relative to years 1961-2010*

 

Discussion

November 2012

Rainfall in the islands of the eastern Caribbean was normal to below normal during the month. Trinidad, Tobago and St. Lucia were normal; Grenada and Barbados severely dry; St. Vincent and St. Croix abnormally dry; Dominica, Antigua and Anguilla moderately dry; and St. Kitts extremely dry. Guyana was normal to abnormally wet. Puerto Rico was moderately dry while the Dominican Republic was normal to abnormally wet. Rainfall in Jamaica was normal but in Cayman Islands it was extremely dry. Cuba ranged from moderate to extremely dry while Belize was severely dry in the south and moderately dry in the north.

September 2012 to November 2012

Apart from St. Kitts that was abnormally wet, conditions in the eastern Caribbean islands were normal to below normal. Trinidad was moderately to severely dry; Tobago abnormally dry; Grenada exceptionally dry; Barbados and Dominica extremely dry; St. Vincent, Anguilla and St. Croix moderately dry; and St. Lucia and Antigua normal. Guyana was normal in the north and abnormally dry elsewhere. Puerto Rico was severely dry. Conditions in the Dominican Republic ranged from moderately dry in central areas to normal in the east. Jamaica was normal in the west and abnormally wet in the east. Cayman Islands was extremely dry but conditions in Belize were predominantly moderately dry. Conditions in Cuba ranged from normal in the north to extremely dry in the south east.

June 2012 to November 2012

Apart from St. Kitts that was abnormally wet, conditions in the eastern Caribbean and Guyana were normal to below normal. Trinidad was normal to abnormally dry; Tobago and Antigua abnormally dry; Barbados and Anguilla moderately dry; St. Vincent extremely dry; St. Lucia normal; Dominica and St. Croix severely dry; and Guyana predominantly normal but tending to abnormally dry in the east. Puerto Rico was abnormal to moderately dry but the Dominican Republic ranged from moderately wet in the west to normal in the east. Jamaica was normal in the west and abnormally wet in the east while Cayman Islands was severely dry. Rainfall in Cuba ranged from normal in the west to extremely dry in the east while Belize ranged from moderately dry in the south to normal in the north.

December 2011 to November 2012

For the twelve month period, conditions in the eastern Caribbean and Guyana were diverse. Trinidad was moderately wet; Tobago and St. Kitts very wet; Grenada, Barbados, St. Vincent, St. Lucia, Antigua and Anguilla normal; Dominica severely dry; St. Croix moderately dry; and Guyana ranging from moderately wet in the north to normal in the south and east. Conditions in Puerto Rico ranged from moderately wet in the west to normal in the east while the Dominica Republic was from moderately wet in the north to extremely wet in the south. Jamaica was normal in the west and abnormally wet in the east while Cayman Islands was normal. Conditions in Cuba ranged from normal in the west to extremely dry in the south east while those in Belize ranged from moderately dry in the west to abnormally wet in the west.

SPI Monitor October 2012

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Disclaimer

The information contained herein is provided with the understanding that The Caribbean Institute for Meteorology and Hydrology makes no warranties, either expressed or implied, concerning the accuracy, completeness, reliability, or suitability of the Outlook. The information may be used freely by the public with appropriate acknowledgement of its source, but shall not be modified in content and then presented as original material.

*Please note that from February 2012, the SPI calculations are relative to years 1961-2010*

 

Discussion

October 2012

Conditions were very diverse in the eastern Caribbean islands for October. Trinidad and Barbados were moderately dry; Grenada extremely dry; Tobago, St. Vincent, St. Lucia and Dominica normal; Antigua very wet; St. Kitts exceptionally wet; Anguilla and St. Croix abnormally dry. Conditions in Guyana ranged from exceptionally wet in the north to moderately dry in the east. Puerto Rico was normal but the Dominican Republic ranged from very to exceptionally wet. Jamaica was abnormally wet in the west and moderately wet in the east. Rainfall in Cuba ranged from normal to moderately wet. Cayman Islands was moderately wet and Belize normal.

August 2012 to October 2012

Apart from Barbados that was abnormally wet, the eastern Caribbean and Guyana were normal to below normal for the three month period. Trinidad and Grenada were moderately dry; Tobago, Dominica, St. Croix and Anguilla abnormally dry; St. Vincent extremely dry; Antigua severely dry; St. Lucia, St. Kitts and Guyana normal. Puerto Rico was normal, while the Dominican Republic was abnormally wet in the west and normal in the remainder of the country. Conditions in Jamaica ranged from moderately dry in the west to moderately wet in the east. Apart from the central region that was moderately wet, Cuba was generally normal to abnormally wet. Cayman Islands was normal. Conditions in Belize were extremely dry in the west and exceptionally dry in the east.

May 2012 to October 2012

Conditions in the eastern Caribbean islands were diverse for the six month period. Trinidad, Tobago, St. Lucia and Antigua were normal; Grenada and St. Croix moderately dry; St. Vincent, Dominica and Anguilla abnormally dry; and St. Kitts very wet. Guyana was normal to abnormally dry. Puerto Rico was normal in the west and abnormally dry in the east while the Dominican Republic was abnormally wet in the west and normal in the east. Conditions in Jamaica ranged from abnormally dry in the west to abnormally wet in the east. Cuban rainfall amounts ranged predominantly from normal to moderately wet while Cayman Islands was normal. Conditions in Belize ranged from moderately dry in the west to moderately wet in the north.

November 2011 to October 2012

For the twelve month period, apart from St. Croix that was moderately dry, rainfall in the eastern Caribbean and Guyana was normal to above normal. Trinidad was abnormal to moderately wet; Tobago very wet; Grenada, St. Vincent and Dominica normal; Barbados moderately wet; St. Lucia and Antigua abnormally wet; St. Kitts extremely wet; and Guyana moderately wet in the north to normal further to the south. Puerto Rico was moderate to abnormally wet while rainfall in the Dominica Republic ranged from moderately wet in the north to extremely wet in the south. Jamaica was predominantly normal but Cayman Islands abnormally wet. Conditions in Cuba was predominantly normal to moderately wet while Belize ranged from abnormally dry in the west to abnormally dry in the north.

SPI Monitor September 2012

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Disclaimer

The information contained herein is provided with the understanding that The Caribbean Institute for Meteorology and Hydrology makes no warranties, either expressed or implied, concerning the accuracy, completeness, reliability, or suitability of the Outlook. The information may be used freely by the public with appropriate acknowledgement of its source, but shall not be modified in content and then presented as original material.

*Please note that from February 2012, the SPI calculations are relative to years 1961-2010*

 

Discussion

September 2012

Apart from St. Lucia and St. Croix that were normal, the islands of the eastern Caribbean had below normal rainfall for September. Trinidad, Tobago, Grenada and St. Vincent were moderately dry; Barbados abnormally dry; Dominica exceptionally dry; and Antigua and Anguilla severely dry. Conditions in Guyana ranged from normal in the north to moderately dry in the east. Both Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republic were moderate to extremely dry. Rainfall in Jamaica ranged from moderately dry in the west to moderately wet in the east. Cuba was predominantly normal to abnormally wet. Cayman Islands was normal, while Belize ranged from severely dry in the west to exceptionally dry in the east.

July 2012 to September 2012

Apart from Barbados that was abnormally wet, the eastern Caribbean and Guyana were normal to below normal for the three month period. Trinidad and Grenada were moderately dry; Tobago, Dominica, St. Croix and Anguilla abnormally dry; St. Vincent extremely dry; Antigua severely dry; St. Lucia, St. Kitts and Guyana normal. Puerto Rico was normal, while the Dominican Republic was abnormally wet in the west and normal in the remainder of the country. Conditions in Jamaica ranged from moderately dry in the west to moderately wet in the east. Apart from the central region that was moderately wet, Cuba was generally normal to abnormally wet. Cayman Islands was normal. Conditions in Belize were extremely dry in the west and exceptionally dry in the east.

April 2012 to September 2012

For the six month period, the eastern Caribbean and Guyana experienced a diverse mix of above normal to just below normal rainfall. Trinidad and Barbados were moderately wet; Tobago abnormally wet; Grenada, St. Lucia, Antigua, St. Kitts, Anguilla, and Guyana normal; St. Vincent and Dominica abnormally dry; and St. Croix moderately dry. Puerto Rico was normal, whilet the Dominica Republic normal in northwest and southeast and abnormally wet elsewhere. Jamaica was normal in the west and abnormally wet in the east, but Cayman Islands very wet. Conditions in Belize ranged from moderately dry in the west to very wet in the north.

October 2011 to September 2012

Apart from St. Croix that was abnormally dry, the eastern Caribbean and Guyana were predominantly normal to above normal for the twelve month period. Trinidad, Tobago, St. Kitts and Anguilla were moderately wet; St. Vincent, St. Lucia, Dominica and Antigua normal; Grenada abnormally wet; Barbados very wet; and Guyana ranging from very wet in the north to abnormally wet to the south and east. Puerto Rico was moderately wet in the west and abnormally wet in the east, while the Dominica Republic ranged from moderately wet in the south to normal in the north. Apart from the eastern extreme that was abnormally wet, Jamaica was predominantly normal. Conditions in Cuba ranged from normal to very wet, but Cayman Islands was very wet. Conditions in Belize ranged from abnormally dry in the west to moderately wet in the north.

SPI Monitor August 2012

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Disclaimer

The information contained herein is provided with the understanding that The Caribbean Institute for Meteorology and Hydrology makes no warranties, either expressed or implied, concerning the accuracy, completeness, reliability, or suitability of the Outlook. The information may be used freely by the public with appropriate acknowledgement of its source, but shall not be modified in content and then presented as original material.

*Please note that from February 2012, the SPI calculations are relative to years 1961-2010*

 

Discussion

August 2012

In the eastern Caribbean and Guyana, there is a distinction between the normal to below normal north and the normal to above normal south. Trinidad and St. Lucia were abnormally wet; Tobago moderately wet; Barbados very wet; Grenada, St. Vincent, Dominica and Anguilla normal; Antigua, St. Kitts and St. Croix abnormally dry; and, apart from the northern extremes that were abnormally wet, Guyana was normal. Both Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republic were predominantly moderately wet. Conditions in Jamaica ranged from normal in the western half to moderately wet in the east. Cuba was dominated by abnormal to moderately wet conditions apart from the eastern extremes that were exceptionally wet. Cayman Islands was very wet, but conditions in Belize ranged from severely dry in the west to normal in the north.

June 2012 to August 2012

For the three month period, the rainfall over the Eastern Caribbean and Guyana was very diverse. Trinidad was moderately wet; Tobago, Barbados, St. Lucia, Dominica, St. Kitts, Anguilla and Guyana normal; Grenada and Antigua moderately dry; and St. Vincent and St. Croix severely dry. Puerto Rico was predominantly normal while the Dominican Republic ranged from moderately wet in the west to normal in the east. Jamaica was normal in the west and abnormally wet in the east while the Cayman Islands was normal. Normal to above normal conditions were experienced in Cuba while Belize ranged from moderately dry in the west to extremely wet in the north.

March  2012 to August 2012

The eastern Caribbean and Guyana were normal to above normal for the six month period. Trinidad and Tobago were extremely wet; Grenada, Barbados and St. Kitts moderately wet; St. Vincent, St. Lucia, Dominica, Antigua and St. Croix normal; Anguilla abnormally wet; and Guyana abnormally wet in the north and normal elsewhere. Puerto Rico was moderate to very wet while conditions in the Dominican Republic ranged from moderately wet in the north to extremely wet in the south. Jamaica was normal in the west and abnormally wet in the east while normal to above normal conditions were experienced in Cuba. The Cayman Islands was exceptionally wet, but conditions in Belize ranged from normal in the south to extremely wet in the north.

September 2011 to August 2012

Apart from St. Croix that was moderately dry, the eastern Caribbean and Guyana experienced normal to above normal conditions for the twelve month period. Trinidad and Tobago were moderately wet; Grenada, St. Kitts and Anguilla very wet; Barbados extremely wet; St. Vincent and St. Lucia abnormally wet; Dominica and Antigua normal; and Guyana ranging from very wet in the west to normal in the east. Puerto Rico was abnormal to very wet while the Dominican Republic ranged from normal in the north to moderately wet in the south. Jamaica was normal, but the Cayman Islands very wet. Normal to above normal conditions prevailed in Cuba, while Belize ranged from abnormally dry in the west to moderately wet in the north.

SPI Monitor July 2012

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Disclaimer

The information contained herein is provided with the understanding that The Caribbean Institute for Meteorology and Hydrology makes no warranties, either expressed or implied, concerning the accuracy, completeness, reliability, or suitability of the Outlook. The information may be used freely by the public with appropriate acknowledgement of its source, but shall not be modified in content and then presented as original material.

*Please note that from February 2012, the SPI calculations are relative to years 1961-2010*

 

Discussion

July 2012

The islands of the eastern Caribbean varied from below normal (particularly in the south) to above normal (particularly in the north). Trinidad and St Croix were abnormally dry; Tobago moderately dry; St .Vincent severely dry; Grenada, Barbados, St. Lucia and Antigua normal; St. Kitts and Anguilla moderately wet, and Dominica abnormally wet. Rainfall in Guyana ranged from normal in the west to moderately wet in the east. Puerto Rico was abnormal to moderately wet while the Dominica Republic was moderate to very wet. Conditions in Jamaica ranged from abnormally dry in the west to abnormally wet in the east. Cayman Islands was moderately dry, but Cuba was predominantly normal. Conditions in Belize ranged from moderately dry in the south to normal in the north.

May 2012 to July 2012

In the eastern Caribbean and Guyana, apart from St. Croix that was abnormally dry, rainfall was normal to above normal. Trinidad, Barbados, St. Kitts and Anguilla were moderately wet, Tobago, St. Vincent, St. Lucia, Dominica and Antigua normal; and conditions in Guyana ranged from moderately wet in the west to normal in the east. Puerto Rico and The Dominican Republic were both normal. Jamaica was predominantly normal apart from the northwest that was abnormally dry. Cayman Islands was abnormally wet. Conditions in Cuba ranged from abnormally dry to moderately wet, while for Belize the range was from normal in the southwest to exceptionally wet in the north.

February 2012 to July 2012

For the six month period, apart from St. Croix that was abnormally dry, rainfall in the eastern Caribbean and Guyana was normal to above normal. Trinidad was extremely wet; Tobago very wet; Grenada, Barbados and St. Kitts moderately wet; St. Vincent and Anguilla abnormally wet; St. Lucia, Dominica and Antigua normal; and Guyana abnormally wet. Puerto Rico was predominantly moderately wet. The Dominican Republic was moderately wet in the northwest and very wet elsewhere. Jamaica was normal, but Cayman Islands was very wet. In Cuba, central areas were above normal, while eastern and western areas were predominantly normal. Belize ranged from normal in the south to very wet in the north.

August 2011 to July 2012

Conditions in the eastern Caribbean and Guyana ranged from normal to above. Trinidad, St. Lucia and Dominica were abnormally wet; Tobago and St. Croix normal; Grenada, Barbados, St. Vincent and Antigua moderately wet; St. Kitts and Anguilla extremely wet; and Guyana from very wet in the west to normal in the east. Puerto Rico was exceptionally wet for the twelve month period, while the Dominican Republic was predominantly normal, but with up to moderately wet conditions in the eastern and southern extremes. Jamaica was normal but the Cayman Islands moderately wet. Rainfall in central areas of Cuba was above normal, while the eastern and western areas were predominantly normal. Conditions in Belize ranged from normal in the south to very wet in the north.Conditions in the eastern Caribbean and Guyana ranged from normal to above. Trinidad, St. Lucia and Dominica were abnormally wet; Tobago and St. Croix normal; Grenada, Barbados, St. Vincent and Antigua moderately wet; St. Kitts and Anguilla extremely wet; and Guyana from very wet in the west to normal in the east. Puerto Rico was exceptionally wet for the twelve month period, while the Dominican Republic was predominantly normal, but with up to moderately wet conditions in the eastern and southern extremes. Jamaica was normal but the Cayman Islands moderately wet. Rainfall in central areas of Cuba was above normal, while the eastern and western areas were predominantly normal. Conditions in Belize ranged from normal in the south to very wet in the north.