Hydromet office predicts wetter than usual November to January

There will be more rain than usual over the next three months. The Hydrometeorological Service of the Ministry of Agriculture put out a release yesterday forecasting wetter than usual conditions across all regions of Guyana for the months of November 2022 to January 2023.

It explained that the usual secondary rainfall season will be augmented by “persistent” La Nina conditions during the season with rainfall expected to increase considerably from mid-November and continue at least to January, 2023.

The Hydromet Office cautioned that during the upcoming rainy season, water levels in conservancies, reservoirs, and inland rivers across regions One to Eight and Ten are likely to increase with a high risk of flooding. On the other hand, it stated that Region Nine would continue to be dry, but could expect more than the usual amount of rain days.

The forecasters predict that the highest amount of rainfall is projected for regions One, Two, Three, Seven and the northern section of Eight, with “increasing concerns” for regions Four and Five.

Regions 1 to 7 and 10 can expect a higher than usual number of wet days. Northern Regions can expect increases in the number of seven-day very wet spells. There is also a projection for a decrease in the number of seven-day dry spells during the forecast period, with most dry days and dry spells likely to occur in early November, 2022 and late January, 2023. The temperature outlook indicates that all regions can expect cool as usual to cooler night-time and day-time temperatures.

It was pointed out that the possible implications for the upcoming season include more rain days than the usual amount which could be beneficial to some agriculture users. However, it was also noted that this is likely to cause disruptions to infrastructure projects and public transport, with there being the real possibility of land slippage in hinterland areas, especially in mining areas, where the soil may already be saturated.

The release was cognisant of the fact that the continued maintenance of drainage infrastructure is essential as the country progresses towards the wet season and urged farmers to take all the necessary precautions to secure crops and livestock in advance of significant rainfall events. Miners were also similarly cautioned to exercise maximum care on interior roads and on mining sites, while the applicable public health protocols should be activated across the Regions.

The Hydrometeorological Service promised the provision of updates to its seasonal forecast as new information becomes available while recommending that special attention be paid to short-range forecasts provided by the National Weather Watch Centre in the planning of daily activities.

And for short-range forecasts and weather analyses, stakeholders are being advised to follow the daily weather briefs, outlooks and advisories produced by the National Weather Watch Centre or visit www.hydromet.gov.gy. The forecast desk could also be reached at 261-2284 or 261-2216, the release added.