Caribbean Regional Climate Centre

The CIMH recently hosted a two-day Regional Climate Centre (RCC) Climate Data Management System Training Workshop.

The workshop brought together CIMH and National Meteorological and Hydrological Service (NMHS) personnel to strengthen capacity in climate data management, validation, administration and synchronization using the RCC Database Platform. Participants gained hands-on experience entering and importing datasets, managing metadata and users, performing quality control checks, querying and exporting data, and synchronizing approved datasets to the CIMH archive.

A key objective of the workshop was to collaboratively assess the platform from both technical and climatological perspectives to ensure it is robust, practical and fit for purpose. Throughout the training, participants provided feedback on the system's functionality, usability and relevance to operational workflows.

Participants highlighted the importance of having a user-friendly platform and a World Meteorological Organization (WMO)-compliant database solution that meets the needs of NMHSs across the region. Feedback received at the end of the workshop indicated that these expectations had been met, with participants expressing confidence in the platform’s ability to support climate data management and operational climatology activities within their respective services.

The training formed part of ongoing efforts to strengthen climate services and regional data management capacity under the Intra-ACP Climsa Caribbean Programme, supported by EU to Barbados, Eastern Caribbean States, the OECS, Caricom & Cariforum.

Thank you to our facilitator Dave Mills from University of Reading and all participants for their valuable contributions and feedback as we continue to advance climate data management across the Caribbean.

Are you passionate about meteorology, climatology and climate services? The CIMH is looking for a Technical Officer I to support the work of the Caribbean Regional Climate Centre (RCC).

The role includes:
✔ Supporting climate monitoring and seasonal forecasting products
✔ Contributing to climate research and development
✔ Assisting with RCC projects and programmes
✔ Supporting outreach activities and training initiatives

Applicants should hold at minimum a BSc in Applied Meteorology, Meteorology or Climatology, with relevant professional experience.

📅 Deadline for applications: 30 June 2026

For full details and application instructions, visit www.cimh.edu.bb or scan the QR code in the vacancy notice.

As we continue into Day 2 of the 2026 Wet and Hurricane Season Caribbean Climate Outlook Forum (CariCOF), we continue looking back at some of the key highlights from Day 1 under the ClimSA Programme.

Presentations showcased how climate services initiatives at both the national and regional levels are strengthening resilience, supporting decision-making and improving preparedness across the Caribbean.

Komalchand Dhiram of the Hydrometeorological Service, Guyana highlighted how Intra-ACP Climsa support has enhanced climate services in Guyana through PICSA training initiatives that have equipped more than 100 extension officers and farmers with climate-informed planning tools. Additional achievements included upgrades to observation networks and the development of a heat stress forecasting system for livestock and poultry.

Annie Carrette Joseph of the Dominica Meteorological Service shared Dominica’s progress in data rescue activities, upgrades to observation networks, and the development of the Dominica Health Climatic Bulletin — the first national health climatic bulletin in the Caribbean.

Nikeisha Hibbert of the Meteorological Service Jamaica highlighted several national achievements, including PICSA training, support for the National Framework for Climate Services, support for four National Climate Outlook Forums (NCOFs), ongoing data rescue activities, and planned upgrades to observation networks.

At the regional level, the forum also highlighted awareness and capacity-building workshops conducted for media professionals and National Meteorological and Hydrological Services (NMHSs). These initiatives are helping to strengthen the communication of climate information to the public and key stakeholders across the region.

Dr. Wazita Scott, Climatologist at CIMH, also presented on the development of the CariCOF Outlook Generator (CAROGEN v2), an important regional tool supporting the production and delivery of climate outlook information.

EU to Barbados, Eastern Caribbean States, the OECS, Caricom & Cariforum World Meteorological Organization FIAP Bahamas Meteorology

As we continue into Day 2 of the 2026 Wet and Hurricane Season Caribbean Climate Outlook Forum (CariCOF), let’s take a look back at some highlights from Day 1.

🌐 One key highlight was the presentation on the Caribbean Climate Impacts Database (CCID) and the proposed Caribbean Climate Impacts Monitoring Network (CCIMNet) by Dr. Roche Mahon, Social Scientist at the Caribbean Institute for Meteorology and Hydrology.

The presentation underscored the importance of strengthening the collection and analysis of climate impact information to support resilience, preparedness and decision-making across the Caribbean.

The session was followed by the official soft launch of the Caribbean Climate Impacts Database by Dr. David Farrell, Principal of CIMH.

Intra-ACP Climsa EU to Barbados, Eastern Caribbean States, the OECS, Caricom & Cariforum World Meteorological Organization FIAP Bahamas Meteorology

At the 2026 Wet and Hurricane Season Caribbean Climate Outlook Forum (CariCOF), today’s panel discussion, “Preparing Our Caribbean Society,” explored the potential impacts associated with a developing El Niño event and highlighted the importance of strengthening preparedness across the Caribbean.

Discussions underscored how hotter and drier conditions can create interconnected and cascading impacts across sectors including water resources, agriculture and food security, health, energy, tourism and livelihoods, reinforcing the need for proactive action and strong early warning systems.

Moderated by Dr. Arlene Lang, Coordinating Director of the Caribbean Meteorological Organization (CMO), the panel featured Dr. Cédric Van Meerbeeck, Climatologist, Caribbean Institute for Meteorology and Hydrology; Dr. Tannecia Stephenson, The University of the West Indies Mona Climate Studies Group; Dr. Wilfran Okia, Head of the Regional Climate Prediction Services, World Meteorological Organization; and Mr. Aarone Sargeant, Managing Director, Disaster Risk Management Authority, The Bahamas

Panelists emphasized the importance of timely, actionable climate information and coordinated action in helping countries and communities prepare for and respond to climate risks across the region.

Intra-ACP Climsa EU to Barbados, Eastern Caribbean States, the OECS, Caricom & Cariforum World Meteorological Organization FIAP Bahamas Meteorology

During Day 1 of the 2026 Wet and Hurricane Season Caribbean Climate Outlook Foum (CariCOF) the regional outlook was presented by Dr. Cédric Van Meerbeeck, Climatologist, Caribbean Institute for Meteorology and Hydrology (CIMH), and Shenika Maura, Meteorological Officer, Bahamas Department of Meteorology.

The presentation examined the potential implications of a developing El Niño event and what it could mean for the Caribbean in the coming months. The session provided insights into expected conditions related to tropical cyclone activity, rainfall patterns, drought potential, heat stress, and wet and dry spell conditions.

Key highlights included:

• The 2026 Atlantic hurricane season is expected to be potentially less active than recent years, with approximately 12 named storms forecast. However, warmer waters around the northern Caribbean could support rapid intensification of storms.

• A delayed and drier-than-usual wet season is anticipated, with fewer rain days overall, but intense rainfall events could still create high to extremely high flood and flash flood risks across many areas.

• Drought conditions in some Caribbean territories may continue and potentially expand by late 2026, despite seasonal rainfall easing some water shortages.

• Intense heat conditions are expected, especially during August and September, with more frequent heatwaves, warmer daytime and night-time temperatures, and increased heat stress risks.

The outlook supports planning and preparedness efforts across climate-sensitive sectors including disaster management, agriculture, water resources, tourism and public health.

This event is supported by Intra-ACP Climsa EU to Barbados, Eastern Caribbean States, the OECS, Caricom & Cariforum World Meteorological Organization FIAP Bahamas Meteorology

The 2026 Wet and Hurricane Season Caribbean Climate Outlook Forum ( ) officially opened today in Nassau, The Bahamas 🇧🇸

Opening remarks emphasized the importance of regional collaboration, strengthening climate services and translating climate science into action to support informed decision-making and resilience across the Caribbean.

Remarks were delivered by The Hon. Leon Lundy, Minister of Transport, The Bahamas; Mr. Geoffrey Greene, Acting Director, Bahamas Department of Meteorology, Dr. David Farrell, Principal, Caribbean Institute for Meteorology and Hydrology; Ms. Virginie André, Programme Manager, Disaster Risk Management, European Union Delegation to Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean; Dr. Wilfran Okia, Head of the Regional Climate Prediction Services, World Meteorological Organization (WMO); and Mr. Adrian Trotman, Chief of Applied Meteorology and Climatology, Caribbean Institute for Meteorology and Hydrology.

This event is supported by the

The 2026 Wet and Hurricane Season Caribbean Climate Outlook Forum has officially kicked off in Nassau, The Bahamas! 🌴🌧️🌀

Join experts from across the region as they discuss seasonal climate outlooks, hurricane forecasts, preparedness and what the 2026 wet and hurricane season could mean for the Caribbean.

Watch live: https://www.facebook.com/events/1733289637843846/

Intra-ACP Climsa EU to Barbados, Eastern Caribbean States, the OECS, Caricom & Cariforum World Meteorological Organization FIAP Bahamas Meteorology

Only one day to go until the 2026 Wet and Hurricane Season Caribbean Climate Outlook Forum ( ) kicks off in Nassau, The Bahamas! 🇧🇸

Join us live on Facebook for the latest outlook and what to expect this hurricane season across the Caribbean.

📺 Watch live: https://www.facebook.com/events/1733289637843846/

This event is supported by the Intra-ACP Climsa EU to Barbados, Eastern Caribbean States, the OECS, Caricom & Cariforum World Meteorological Organization FIAP Bahamas Meteorology

The 14th Early Warning Information Services Across Climate Timescales (EWISACTS) Consortium Meeting in The Bahamas continues today.

Yesterday, regional partners engaged in discussions on advancing implementation of the Regional Roadmap and Plan of Action (RPA) 2020–2030 — the Caribbean's long-term vision for the co-design, co-development and co-delivery of sector-specific climate services.

Discussions also focused on progress, priorities and strengthening collaboration to support more effective climate services and early warning systems across the region.

Today, Consortium members will be joined by representatives from national disaster management agencies across the Caribbean to further strengthen collaboration and support the co-design and delivery of climate services and sector-specific early warning systems.

Intra-ACP Climsa EU to Barbados, Eastern Caribbean States, the OECS, Caricom & Cariforum World Meteorological Organization FIAP Bahamas Meteorology