Caribbean Climate Outlook Warns of Extreme Heatwave Effects for Upcoming Six Months

If the already-elevated temperatures have not convinced you, the recently published heat outlook from the Caribbean Climate Outlook Forum (CariCOF) lays it out explicitly – the region can expect to experience near-record heat levels for the next six months.

Temperatures are higher than usual, CariCOF says, and will only intensify as the peak of the Caribbean heat season (August and September) approaches. The extreme heat will impact almost all facets of everyday life; indeed, the Caribbean is already experiencing some of the effects of elevated temperatures.

Public health experts can anticipate a “strong increase in mild heat symptoms” as well as a “notable increase in heat illnesses, fainting episodes,” and hospitalizations, according to CariCOF. The agency has also calculated a likely increase in biological risks such as gastrointestinal disease and mosquito borne diseases, notable as some jurisdictions are already grappling with a surge in cases of dengue. The excessive heat could also contribute to an increase in snacking or binge eating, leading to a host of negative health effects. A marked rise in fatigue, irritability, and aggression among the population during prolonged heatwaves can also be expected, CariCOF says.

The sectors of the economy which rely on outdoor labor will be particularly impacted during the months of elevated temperatures. Small and large livestock alike will require increased cooling and ventilation solutions to reduce the risk of heat stress. The growth of chickens may be stunted, and egg production may be suppressed. A reduction in dairy production is also likely, CariCOF predicts. Crops won’t be spared the sapping effects of the heat — increased wilting is all but inevitable, and farming productivity will be sharply curtailed between the hours of 10:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m.

The above-average temperatures extend to the water also. Warm oceans will likely fuel more frequent, more intense hurricanes this season, while CariCOF says the high sea temperatures may reduce the harvests of the region’s fishers.