In collaboration with the Institute for Meteorology and Hydrology (CIMH) the Meteorological Office is issuing a Drought Alert for St. Vincent and the Grenadines.{{more}}

The institute for Meteorology (CIMH) has advised that St. Vincent and the Grenadines is among islands of the Eastern Caribbean region currently experiencing drought conditions. According to the CIMH, St. Vincent and the Grenadines has been in drought conditions since October 2009.

October is the peak of the local Wet Season Rainfall in this period fell by about 55% compared to that of the 30-year normal and about 50% compared to that of 2009.

Because of the potential impact of lower rainfall levels a drought alert has become necessary. This Alert is effective immediately and continues to the end of March. At that time a new outlook will examine the likelihood that this condition will continue into May.

It should be noted that this is the Dry Season. The normal March-April-May rainfall would not alleviate the drought. However it is expected to make it less severe; mitigating some potential impacts. Water resource managers in St. Vincent and the Grenadines are urged to implement the necessary measures to conserve water as the drought conditions may likely persist through the Dry Season.

The public is requested to report to the Meteorological Office, all impacts experienced so as to assist us in making better interpretation of the full extent of the situation.