The Ministry of Agriculture, in a press release yesterday, stated that the intense rainfall that has been experienced since April 5, is an indication that the El Nino condition has begun weakening. As a result, many areas have already exceeded their average amount. These include Region Three, which is 60 percent above normal; Georgetown, 73 percent above normal; and the East Coast Demerara, 50 percent above normal.
The release highlighted that these extremely high intensities of rainfall were the primary driving force which caused the localised flooding experienced in Georgetown and along the coast. Charity on the Essequibo Coast recorded a rainfall of 9.1 inches.
The above normal rainfall recorded over such a short period points to the fact that Guyana has been experiencing very high intensity rainfall over the past 10 days. This was due to the powerful band of wind flow that has interacted with the Inter-Tropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ), affecting neighbouring countries as well.
It is anticipated, with some breaks, the current trend in rainfall will continue until the peak of the primary rainfall season in May/June is approached. The current rainfall being experienced fits well with the outputs of several international climate models in recent weeks which have all been suggesting the transitioning to El Nino neutral conditions by mid-year.
The Hydrometeorological Service continues to anticipate El Nino neutral conditions, while recognising that some models are suggesting a tendency toward a La Nina influence.
The public is urged to take the necessary actions to mitigate the possible impact of flooding driven by the current weather pattern. (GINA)