Attachments
Key Messages
- Below-average rainfall was observed during last 30 days over the major area of Haiti (Figure 1).
- Below-average vegetation conditions in some southern areas.
- Below average rainfall is expected during June.
Below Average Rainfall Across Haiti
Figure 1 shows below-average rainfall has been observed throughout May across most of Haiti, and particularly over the western half of the southern peninsula. Despite this reduction, vegetation health remains average to above-average across most of the island. This is due to above-average rainfall in March and April, which helped maintain soil moisture in the upper reaches of the watersheds, favoring irrigation activities. Above-average temperatures have not negatively affected crop growth.
The rainfall forecast shown in Figure 2 indicates that below-average rainfall conditions will likely persist into June. This, coupled with a forecast of above-average temperatures, could negatively affect the development of crops, primarily bean crops in the intermediate and advanced stages.
Forecasts from the University of Colorado and NOAA indicate an above-average hurricane season in the Caribbean Basin. It is important to monitor hurricane development and trajectories beginning June 1, the season's start date.