What are the predictions for this year's hurricane season? Well, according to the Meteorology Department it will be somewhat similar to last year - a below average season with 7 to 11 named systems, 12 being what we usually have. We spoke with Chief Meteorologist, Dennis Gonguez today and he told us that although there are no major threats at this point, preparedness is key.
Dennis Gonguez, Chief Met Officer
"The outlook for the 2015 hurricane season indicates that we can expect below normal activity. The forecast between 7 to 11 name systems, between 3 to 5 of those becoming hurricanes and major hurricanes between 1 to 2. The average is 12 name systems, 6 hurricanes and 2 major hurricanes. So we can see that the forecast are for well below average activity. This is caused by the cause of the development of a moderate El Nino in the Pacific Ocean which puts a damper on our hurricane season this side. And in addition we are looking at lower sea surface temperatures over the Atlantic basin/Atlantic Ocean. So we're looking at a season that would be well below average. However, I must caution that these numbers do not indicate where the systems will make land fall. So we have to stress on the importance of being prepared."
On the topic of hurricane watch, the department has also installed automatic weather stations in Halfmoon Caye and Hunting Caye and developed a new forecast module in order to monitor weather changes and to enhance the accuracy of the weather forecast.
While all that progression is happening at the department, there is one minor setback that has been plaguing the department for the past half year. The radar shut down in October of 2014 and it has been quite a challenge getting it back up. Today the Chief Meteorologist updated us on the status of the radar and ensured the public that is has no significant impact on the accuracy of the weather forecast or the overall operations at the department.
Dennis Gonguez, Chief Met Officer
"The decision was made to shut down the radar on the 29th of October because it did need some necessary parts and those parts were acquired. And subsequent to that, the radar developed other issues. The second set of replacement parts are now in the country, it developed a third. There are even some more issues with the radar, so we have placed another order of parts. That one sits at the Ministry of Finance at this time. And couple days ago the technician indicated to me that he needs even more parts and that request is being made as we speak for the additional parts."
"It can function very well without it, I can say this has been functioning for some time without the radar but, it adds or enhances our capabilities if we had the radar. We can function without it, it's not something that would impede us in producing any forecast."
Gonguez told us that the radar may be ready by the end of June or early July. They have had the radar for 7 years and say they have no desire or need to acquire a new one.
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