Long dry weather begins; farmers urged to conserve water

Last Updated on Monday, 13 August 2018, 17:53 by Denis Chabrol

Farmers were Monday warned of impending dry spells and to conserve water ahead of the weak to moderate El Niño conditions during the next several months.

Chief Hydrometeorological Officer  Dr. Garvin Cummings said the dry spells do not mean that Guyana would experience a drought.

“The absence of rainfall does not indicate a drought situation, but rather a period of dry spells. As a consequence, citizens are advised to conserve water until the start of the secondary rainfall season at the end of the year,” he was quoted as saying in a statement issued by the Ministry of Agriculture.

The transitioning for northern Guyana began during the last week of July and is expect to do so for southern Guyana during the latter half of August, 2018.

The Hydrometeorological Department of the Ministry of Agriculture advised that Guyana is now entering the long dry season which usually lasts until the end of November for northern Guyana, and is expected to end in late April, 2019 in southern Guyana.

The Chief Weatherman specifically called on residents in southern Guyana not to waste water because waterways are not expected to flood.

“Areas in the Rupununi Savannahs that rely on shallow wells and small streams for their water supply should enforce strict water conservation and storage practices during this period as flooding from swollen streams and rivers due to heavy rainfall is unlikely during this period.” Dr. Cummings said.

In the coming weeks, farmers are advised to carry out water conservation practices as the dynamic and statistical El Niño Southern Oscillation (ENSO) models predict weak to moderate El Niño conditions through to December, 2018.

The Agriculture Ministry said additionally, persons are being encouraged to manage and closely monitor freshwater resources to ensure maximum efficiency, and cautioned persons to avoid emptying of conservancies during this period.

According to surface analysis, the Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ) has been meandering between 5º N and 8º N. Additionally, tropical waves are recorded as passing further to the north of Guyana. These factors will continue to produce weak to moderate atmospheric instability over the country’s northern Regions (1 to 4). As the season progresses, these systems will cease to affect Guyana.

Other areas of the country are currently being affected by mid-level troughs and localized conditions. During the coming weeks, these troughs are likely to give way to flows and localized conditions will become the main driver of Guyana´s weather.

The Hydromet Department encouraged the use of water troughs, where possible, to provide water for livestock during dry periods. Furthermore, during periods of downpours, techniques such as water harvesting should also be practiced as the probability of dry spells will increase during the season.

While experiencing El Niño conditions, the average sea surface temperature across the Equatorial Pacific is above the climatological (long-term) average. Recent observations have shown above average sea surface temperature across the Equatorial Pacific, but near average for the Equatorial Atlantic. The near average sea surface temperatures in the Equatorial Atlantic is currently enhancing rainfall in northern Guyana.

Output from the Seasonal Climate Outlook model for September to November, 2018 suggests that Guyana will experience the usually dry conditions experienced during this time of the year. However, there are slightly higher chances for wetter than usual conditions for northern Guyana.

Usually, northern Guyana would experience 15 to 32 rain days (days with more than 1 mm of rainfall) from September to October. However, the Seasonal Climate Outlook model suggests there will be between 15 to 34 rain days in the upcoming season, of these up to 2 events can lead to extreme flooding. Temperature forecasts also suggest cooler than usual day time temperatures and warmer nights. Gradual build-up of heat can also be expected as the season progresses.

The Hydromet Department further cautioned all stakeholders, that while the country is transitioning into the dry season, there can still be periods of heavy downpours that can create the conditions for localized flooding.

Updates on the Department’s seasonal brief will be provided as new information becomes available. Persons desirous of information on short term forecasts and weather analyses are advised to follow the daily weather brief, outlooks and advisories produced by the National Weather Watch Centre or visit www.hydromet.gov.gy or contact the Forecast Desk on 261-2284/261-2216.