Dominica forecasts above normal rainfall for the 1st half of the 2017, and below normal in 2nd half

​Slightly above to normal rainfall totals are forecast for the 1st half of the 2017 Wet Season, with a shift to below to normal rainfall totals in the 2nd half of the season. Dominica’s wet season runs from June to November each year. And according to the Dominica Meteorological Service, as Dominica transitions from the dry to the wet season an increase in the frequency of wet days and wet spells are anticipated.
 
There are no drought concerns for the island at this time. However, the Met service is advising persons to keep updated in the coming months as both day and night-time temperatures are forecast to rise and become warmer than normal. As such, there is a high probability for the occurrence of heat waves in the coming months.
 
Meanwhile, Flash flooding is a major concern with the possibility of extreme wet spells. As a result, the Met Service is advising that outdoor activities can be expected to be disrupted on many occasions due to increase rainfall days.
 
A transition to El Niño (warming of the Eastern Equatorial Pacific Ocean) phase is also anticipated during the 2017 Wet Season. El Niño conditions normally results in a decrease in rainfall activity in the Eastern Caribbean. However, El Niño tends to result in high intensity rainfall events and an increase in temperatures 2 to 3 months after its onset, boosting chances of a hot August to October period.