Antigua Records 7th Driest Early Summer; Drought Warning Issued

The Antigua and Barbuda Meteorological Service has reported that rainfall for June and July 2025 was well below normal, making it the seventh driest June–July period on record.

The Standardized Precipitation Index (SPI) shows moderately dry conditions across much of Antigua during June and July, with severe dryness recorded in the northern areas.

While rainfall over the 90-day period from May to July was near normal, the six-month trend (February–July) varied—normal in the southeast, moderately wet in the southwest, and slightly wet in the north.

According to Climatologist Dale Destin, forecasts for August indicate below- to near-normal rainfall, and based on recent SPI data, a Drought Warning has been issued for moderate or worse short-term drought conditions by the end of August.

The advisory emphasizes that short-term drought refers to dry conditions lasting one to six months, while moderate drought involves at least three consecutive months with SPI values of -0.8 or lower.

Due to limited data, the situation in Barbuda is still under review, though monitoring for any signs of water stress continues.