The island-average rainfall for Antigua was near normal; it was 126.2 mm (4.97 in). Additionally, there was one 5-day wet spell at the V. C. Bird International Airport (VCBIA). Meanwhile, there was no 7-day dry spell.
The Standardized Precipitation Index (SPI) for September indicates that conditions over the past 30 days were normal across Antigua. For the 3-month period, from July to September, conditions ranged from normal in the southwestern to moderately dry in the rest of the island. Over the 6-month period, from April to September, precipitation levels were generally normal island-wide, with slightly wet conditions observed in the southwest. Map 1 illustrates drought conditions across Antigua during
the past 3 months, highlighting areas affected by short-term moderate drought.
We are currently experiencing a short-term drought spanning the past four months; hence, a drought warning is in effect. Conditions are forecast to improve by the end of January, though they are expected to return to within the normal range.
Map 1. Antigua Short-term Drought Conditions
Drought Outlook
Short Term Drought Long Term Drought
Anticipated level of drought concern, based on the 6- month SPI for August 2025 to January 2026, is Drought Watch for moderate or worse 6-month short-term drought by the end of January.
Anticipated level of drought concern, based on the 12-month SPI for December 2024 to November 2025, is No Concern of moderate or worse long- term drought by the end of November.
Implications
- protect resources
- conserve and recycle water
- implement management plans
- release public service announcements
- last-minute infrastructural repairs and upgrades
- report impacts
Note 1: Due to the limited available data for Barbuda, it cannot be determined whether the warning should also apply to that island; conditions are being monitored for any signs of water stress.
Note 2: The SPI values were estimated for the V. C. Bird International Airport, Green Castle and Cobbs Cross Stations and the SPI forecast values were estimated from Antigua Rainfall Estimated Time Series.
Key Terms:
Dry day: a day with less than 1 mm of rainfall
Dry spell: a period of consecutive dry days.
Short Term Drought: Dry conditions lasting 1 to 6 consecutive months.
Long-Term Drought: Dry conditions persisting for more than 6 consecutive months.
SPI: https://rcc.cimh.edu.bb/spi-monitor/
Moderate Drought: Dry conditions for at least three consecutive months with SPI values of less than or equal to -0.8.
| Alert Level | |
| No Concern | No concern for moderate or worse drought |
| Drought Watch | Moderate or worse drought possible |
| Drought Warning | Moderate or worse drought evolving |
| Drought Emergency | Moderate or worse drought of immediate concern |
Antigua and Barbuda Meteorological Service, in collaboration with the Caribbean Institute for Meteorology and Hydrology (CIMH), which hosts the WMO-designated Caribbean Regional Climate Center; and Caribbean Climate Outlook Forum (CariCOF).
DISCLAIMER
The user assumes the entire risk related to the use of this data. Antigua and Barbuda Meteorological Service (ABMS) is providing this information and data “as is,” and ABMS disclaims no warranties, whether express or implied, including (without limitation) any implied warranties of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose. In no event will the ABMS be liable to you or to any third party for any direct, indirect, incidental, consequential, special or exemplary damages or lost profit resulting from any use or misuse of this information and data
Advertise with the mоѕt vіѕіtеd nеwѕ ѕіtе іn Antigua!
We offer fully customizable and flexible digital marketing packages.
Contact us at [email protected]
