Officially, Dominica’s Wet-Season, which coincides with the Atlantic hurricane season, runs from June to November each year. This year, models indicate a delay in the onset of the wet-season.
Less rainfall than normal is expected for the 2018 Wet-Season. A decrease in the frequency of wet days (1.0mm and more) and wet spells (three or more consecutive wet days) is anticipated for the first half of the season.
There are no drought concerns for the island at this time for both the short term (March to August 2018) and long term (December 2017 to November 2018). At least one 7-day dry spell is expected for the first half of the season.
Cooler day and night time temperatures are anticipated for the first half of the season with some uncertainties at this time for the second half. Heatwave chances are increasing towards the middle of the wet-season.
Climatologically, Dominica’s wet-season accumulates approximately 900 to 1600mm along the western coast, 1200 to 1900mm along the eastern coast with higher amounts in elevated regions. Usually, temperature ranges from 27⁰C to 28⁰C during the day with an average maximum of 30⁰C to 32⁰C. Night time temperatures usually fall between 24⁰C to 25⁰C.
One of the main drivers for the first half of the season is the near average Sea Surface Temperatures (SSTs) around the region and below average SSTs across the eastern Atlantic near west Africa. This normally results in a reduction in evaporation leading to drier air and fewer atmospheric instability which in turn results in a tilt towards slightly drier conditions particularly in the Lesser Antilles.
Dominica’s 2017/ 2018 Dry Season accumulated higher rainfall amounts than normal with typical day and night time temperatures. Cooler SSTs in the equatorial eastern Pacific (La Nina) was the main driver for the season resulting in an increase in rainfall activity.
CAT. five monster devastated Dominica. There is an increase in frequency and intensity of tropical storm patterns.Sea temps are higher, water levels rising: rainfall is more prolonged and torrential.
one must must recognize the difference between weather patterns and climate.
well too much heat is not a good thing for us at this time of year
im confused . is the heat or not ?
This is interesting, as it may contradict some of the predicted climate change doom and gloom.
It would also be interesting to learn if the Met Office records indicate, on average, a significant change in our weather since their records began. I have requested this information, both locally and regionally, but I am told that it can only be released on the payment of a fee.