The Caribbean Drought and Precipitation Monitoring Network Monday said as the region moves deeper into its dry season, rainfall will continue to decrease.
“With the likelihood of normal to below normal rainfall in the northwest Caribbean during January to March 2023, the likelihood for below normal rainfall in Cuba can result in short and long term drought, by the end of March and May respectively, particularly in western areas,” the Network said in its latest bulletin.
It said like Cuba, the other countries in the northwest including Belize and Cayman Islands, should closely monitor their water resources.
“Puerto Rico and Guadeloupe in the eastern portion of the Caribbean should also monitor their resources for short-term drought that can impact streams and small rivers, irrigation ponds and other small reservoirs,” the Network added.
It said that long-term drought by the end of May might possibly develop or continue in western Belize, Grand Cayman, Central and Eastern Cuba and eastern Jamaica.
“Areas ending up in long-term drought by the end of May are likely to experience lower than usual water levels in large reservoirs, large rivers and groundwater,” the Network said, adding that short-term drought might possibly develop in southwest Belize, Grand Cayman and south-west Puerto Rico”.