The 2025 Atlantic and Caribbean Wet/Hurricane Season is here, running from June 1 to November 30. Forecasters are urging everyone to prepare for what could be a highly active season.
The Caribbean Institute for Meteorology and Hydrology (CIMH) predicts 19 named storms, with nine potentially becoming hurricanes, four of which may reach major hurricane strength. With widespread flooding expected, climatologists now refer to this period as the “wet/hurricane” season.
Yet, many climate experts argue that for the Caribbean, preparation should be year-round, addressing not just hurricanes but also floods, droughts and rising temperatures.
Adding to concerns, it has also been predicted that global temperatures will reach record or near-record levels over the next five years, fuelling more extreme weather.
The World Meteorological Organisation and UK Met Office confirm a 70 per cent chance that global warming during this period will exceed 1.5 degrees Celsius, raising risks of sea-level rise, stronger hurricanes and severe flooding.
While the US, China and India bear the greatest responsibility for CO2 emissions, our actions, or inaction, in the region have not helped.
Saint Lucia is a signatory to the Paris Agreement to limit warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius but we have been slow to harness the energy of the sun, wind or water to power our homes and public buildings.
Government buildings and schools still rely heavily on fossil fuels and are often lit like Christmas trees through the night.
Rainwater harvesting programmes are yet to be widely implemented, straining water resources despite drought risks. Many hotels and resorts are yet to go this route.
And what about the constant damage to our coastal areas due to the construction of hotels along our shorelines despite empirical evidence of the negative impacts?
Plastic pollution and poor waste management persist, even as climate threats grow.
A warmer climate should dictate how we build homes and public buildings. We can ill afford the millions spent on cleaning up mould from badly constructed buildings, for example.
Too often, climate discussions are overshadowed by the more salacious “sujet du jour”. But the consequences are undeniable.
The December 2013 trough, which produced 224 mm of rain locally in about three hours may be a buried memory for some. In case it is, here is a reminder: six people died, 550 people were displaced and total damage was put at EC$267 million.
2024’s record heat wave harmed our vulnerable populations, especially children and the elderly.
Elsewhere in the region last year: Belize was hit by severe drought conditions and wildfires, French Guiana experienced historic dry spells that led to 40 000 people being cut off from the rest of the world, Suriname had extreme rainfall, and Cuba and St Kitts endured low water levels.
Hurricane Beryl, the earliest Category 5 on record (July 1), caused damage in Grenada, which bore the brunt of its wrath, as well as Barbados and Saint Lucia.
Fishers in Soufrière faced storm surges in February, followed by Beryl’s blow to their livelihoods.
All this is a threat to economies, health, food security and survival, demanding urgent action from individuals and leaders alike.
As we brace for this season, our preparedness must extend beyond hurricanes. Housing, careers, education and health plans must adapt to climate realities.
Stay informed through official sources. Ignore rumours and fake news. Most importantly, take personal responsibility. The time for action is now—always be prepared.
