Regional Conference Tackles Caribbean Climate Outlook

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NASSAU, BAHAMAS – With the start of the hurricane season just days away, regional partners within the fields of climate change, disaster readiness and meteorology have gathered for the 2026 Wet & Hurricane Season Caribbean Climate Outlook.

The event is hosted by the Caribbean Institute for Metrology and Hydrology, in collaboration with Intra-ACP climate services and Related Applications program, the World Meteorological Organization, and the Bahamas Meteorological Department.

Held at the Courtyard Marriott, the forum will take place over the next three days to examine how climate information can enhance planning and decision-making in climate-sensitive sectors.

These sectors include tourism, food security, agriculture, public health, water, and disaster management.

Meteorologists and climatologists from across the Caribbean were not the only participants, as the audience also consisted of country diplomats, policy makers, and Minister of Transport, Leon Lundy.

Lundy delivered remarks about the importance of being prepared.

Leon Lundy – Minister, Transportation

“When severe weather threatens, timely and reliable information can determine whether people are exposed to danger or equipped to protect themselves. That is why meteorological and climate services must be understood as [an] essential public safety infrastructure.”

He adds that the objective of the forum’s agenda is both clear and pressing.

Leon Lundy – Minister, Transportation

“Our region faces hazards that can disrupt livelihoods, damage critical infrastructure and place enormous pressure on public resources. For small island developing states the margin for delay is narrow.”

In recent years, the Caribbean has experienced catashrophic storms, including Hurricane Dorian in 2019, which affected Abaco and Grand Bahama, as well as Hurricane Melissa in 2025, which impacted Jamaica.

Collectively, the impact of these storms resulted in lives being lost, homes, businesses, and nearly $20 billion dollars in damages.

Lundy reminds the audience the dangers we encounter are a regional concern.

Leon Lundy – Minister, Transportation

“The threats we confront do not recognize…resilience can not be built in isolation. No Caribbean country should have to face climate risk with limited information, disconnected systems or inadequate corporation.”

“Our collective strength depends on our willingness to share knowledge, deepen technical collaboration, improve forecasting capacity, and support practical solutions that serve each and every citizen.”