Above-average rainfall expected in rainy season – Hydromet Office warns

The local Hydromet Office is reporting that 85-95 per cent of rainfall is expected as the northern part of the country enters the wet or rainy season expected to start in mid-November and lasts until mid-February 2018.
However, southern Guyana’s dry season is expected to continue until mid-April 2018.
According to the Hydromet Office, the change in weather is because of cooler than average sea-surface temperatures, which have been recorded in the eastern Equatorial Pacific.
The output from the Seasonal Climate Outlook model for November 2017 to January 2018 suggests higher chances (85-90 per cent) of above-average rainfall across Guyana. The highest rainfall totals are expected in Regions One to Six, Seven and 10; Region Nine will continue to be relatively dry.
Usually, northern Guyana would experience 40 to 64 rain days (days with more than one millilitre (mm) of rainfall) from November to January. The Seasonal Climate Outlook model suggests there will be between 46 to 65 rain days in the upcoming rainfall season.
The forecasted higher chances of above-average rainfall are expected to recharge reservoirs, conservancies and aquifers, limiting local concerns of drought in northern Guyana. Water accumulation in poorly drained area is expected; this can lead to localised flooding, an upsurge in mosquito breeding, and other moisture-related pests.
Additionally, farmers are advised to keep their drains clear in order to prevent flooding, especially on farms located in flood-prone areas. Further, special attention should be given to short-range forecasts provided by the Hydrometeorological Service in order to plan daily farm activities such as fertiliser and pesticide application.