The government meteorologist in St Kitts and Nevis is warning that the twin-island Federation could face drier-than-normal conditions in the months ahead, with residents and businesses being urged to begin conserving water now.

Senior Meteorological Officer Elmo Burke said rainfall across St Kitts and Nevis has already been below average in recent months, while forecasts suggest the upcoming wet season is also likely to produce lower-than-normal rainfall totals.

As a result, a drought warning has been issued for the Federation.

Burke said regional climate conditions are expected to be influenced by the El Niño phenomenon, which typically brings warmer temperatures and suppresses rainfall across parts of the Caribbean.

“Regional climate conditions, including those affecting Saint Kitts and Nevis, are expected to be influenced by an El Niño phenomenon,” Burke explained. “This will likely result in warmer temperatures, particularly during the summer months, along with drier-than-normal conditions as convective activity becomes suppressed at times.”

He noted that the country usually records the bulk of its annual rainfall during the wet season, which overlaps with the Atlantic hurricane season. Any significant reduction in rainfall during that period could place additional pressure on rain-fed water supplies.

“While there remains the possibility of major rainfall events during the wet season, the overall trend suggests that Saint Kitts and Nevis is likely to experience below-normal rainfall totals for the season,” Burke said.

The meteorological official urged households, businesses and sectors heavily dependent on water to begin implementing conservation measures immediately to lessen the impact of potential drought conditions.

“Residents and businesses, along with all water-dependent sectors, are encouraged to exercise water conservation activities to minimise the expected impacts of reduced rainfall totals,” he said. “Taking early conservation actions will be critical in helping us weather the drier-than-normal period ahead.”

The Meteorological Services Department said it will continue monitoring regional climate patterns and provide updates as conditions evolve.