September is peak hurricane season in the Caribbean as the storms that form in African waters and east of the Caribbean move west through the Atlantic.
The year has been relatively quiet in the Caribbean, but forecasters say history tells us that the second half of the hurricane season is the busiest. They are pointing to a possible repeat of the 2020 hurricane season with its total of 31 tropical or subtropical cyclones, with all but one cyclone becoming a named storm. Of the 30 named storms, 14 developed into hurricanes, and a record-tying seven further intensified into major hurricanes. Almost all of these storms happened in the second part of the hurricane season.
Forecasters are also warning conditions are such that a storm can go from a tropical depression to a hurricane category in just 24 hours. It is best to be ready.
Weather forecasters say the conditions are there for this year to be one of intense storms. Temperatures typically hit record highs of more than 30Cs with summer humidity still lingering. The area waters are charged by warm water and moist air.
There have been many rain storms this year. As tropical storms grow in intensity, and as the warm air rises, thunderstorms occur. The huge cluster of thunderstorms can become hurricanes and their wide scope of coverage.
The winds and the subsequent waves and flooding can be devastating to coastal communities. Hurricanes are fuelled by warm water, which is why they ease off when traveling over land.
September is also a month when smart travelers can enjoy the resorts without the throngs of people of winter or peak summer months. But those who come should make sure they have adequate travel insurance, just in case. Keep in mind you can come for good weather in the Caribbean any day. To be caught in a hurricane, hotel provisions will most likely ensure your safety, you will most not have to deal with the clean up, yet you will be in for memories of a trip never to be forgotten.
Actually, hurricanes are not as usual as people would perceive. Santo Domingo, the capital city, for instance was hit by Hurricane Georges in 1998, and before that by Hurricane David in 1979.
Indomet, the local weather institute, says it is watching a tropical wave as it moves west to the Caribbean area. Rains are forecast for this week, a plus because it reduces the intense summer heat. The next named storm would be Francine.
DR1 Weather forecaster Mike Fisher posts on the DR1 Forums as soon as a storm is in the neighborhood so readers can get insight into what’s coming our way. Nevertheless, he, too, has warned that the conditions are such that a storm could become a hurricane in less than 24-hour warning.
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Weather.com
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2 September 2024