Barbados Meteorological Services Forecasts Intense 2022 Hurricane Season with Potential Impact on Eastern Caribbean

The nation’s top weather watcher has predicted that seven of the 22 named storms expected to cross the Atlantic this season will head towards the Eastern Caribbean with greater intensity.

And the chances of a cyclone’s direct hit on Barbados are on the rise, said Director of the Barbados Meteorological Services (BMS) Sabu Best.

He also urged the nation to brace for record-breaking heat through September, fluctuating rainfall and the likelihood of sudden extreme weather for which no warning may be possible.

In a special video online review of past seasons and the BMS’ prognosis for this season that officially starts on June 1, Best urged Barbadians not to focus on the number of storms but on the fact that they are above average and that it only takes one of them to cause widespread devastation.

Best said: “The centre of these systems have been passing closer to Barbados during the last few years. We have to be ready. This is the first thing that it means for us. These systems are developing early in the season. Therefore, they are forming further south. We are seeing more tropical cyclones, and if you are seeing more and more, it is more than likely the odds are increasing that you can be impacted.

“So, we are looking for a really intense hurricane season. It’s not that we focus on the actual number of how many. It only takes one. The fact there are going to be so many, that means the odds are higher.”

The BMS’ experimental models arrived at seven named storms, four of which become hurricanes and two become major hurricanes.

“But I don’t want you to focus on the number,” Best stressed. “What is important here is to understand that even in our area where there will be development of tropical cyclones, that is going to be above average.”

While there will be early warnings for major events such as storms or hurricanes, there will be little or no notice of severe thunderstorms which can happen in minutes, the BMS director added, suggesting that residents should keep vigilance for changes in the atmosphere.

He suggested citizens use the BMS app on their smartphones or check its social media pages.

“One of the best things someone told me that they do, is to use their senses,” said the weather expert. “Have a look outside. If outside looks a little grey and strange, have a look at the forecast.”

On the island’s rainfall accumulations during the wet season that also begins on June 1, he said he expected “a bit of a see-saw” from average to above-average levels.