GOV.VC
The National Emergency Management Organisation (NEMO) convened its 2026 Hurricane/Wet Season National Climate Outlook Forum on June 1st, 2026, at the NIS Conference Room to review seasonal climate forecasts and strengthen national preparedness efforts.
The forum provided a platform for stakeholders to examine forecasts for tropical cyclone activity, rainfall patterns, and other weather-related hazards that could affect Saint Vincent and the Grenadines during the 2026 hurricane and wet season. A key message emerging from the discussions was that climate and weather forecasts are most effective when translated into actionable information that supports early planning, informed decision-making, disaster preparedness, and community resilience.
During her presentation, Dr. Rochelle Campbell, Climate Risk and Impact-Based Early Warning Systems Specialist at the Hydrologic Research Center, emphasized the importance of tailoring climate and weather information to the needs of those responsible for making decisions.
Dr. Campbell noted that while climate information is increasingly accessible, the greater challenge is ensuring that it is interpreted and applied in ways that support timely and effective action. She stressed that disaster risk reduction depends not only on the availability of reliable information but also on the capacity of leaders and decision-makers to act on it, particularly in high-pressure situations. She also highlighted the value of three-to-five-day forecasts, noting that they align closely with the operational planning needs of Caribbean communities and emergency management agencies.
Elizabeth Riley, Executive Director of the Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency (CDEMA), underscored the importance of National Climate Outlook Forums in translating regional seasonal forecasts into practical, location-specific guidance that can inform preparedness and response measures in countries such as Saint Vincent and the Grenadines.
SOURCE: Agency For Public Information (API)