Meteorologists, climatologists, disaster risk managers, policymakers and sector representatives from across the region met in Nassau to discuss climate forecasts for the upcoming Wet & Hurricane Seasons: including tropical cyclone activity, drought, heat stress, wet & dry spells, rainfall and flood potentials.
They convened at the 2026 Wet and Hurricane Season Caribbean Climate Outlook Forum (CariCOF), May 27th and 28th at the Courtyard Marriott hotel. The forum is held biannually.
The 2026 Forum was opened by the Hon. Leon Lundy, Minister of Transport, who welcomed leaders and participants, encouraged a productive and innovative gathering, and highlighted the power of collaboration and networking for a continued, strengthened, shared capacity to respond to climate changes. He also noted the significance of The Bahamas hosting CariCOF for the first time.
Acting Director of the Bahamas Department of Meteorology, Geoffrey Greene mirrored the minister’s sentiments expressing thanks and appreciation for the privilege and milestone of hosting this 2026 forum and the importance of partnering in the efforts of innovation.
Dr. David Farrell, Principal of the Caribbean Institute for Meteorology and Hydrology (CIMH) thanked the Government of the Bahamas for agreeing to host this year’s Wet & Hurricane Season climate forum, noting that along with this being the first time held in The Bahamas it was also the largest, hosting over 100 participants physically and virtually.
The forum closed out May 27th to the satisfaction of all those involved. Dr. Farrell concluded by bringing particular awareness to the leverage open discussion and gathering brings to all parties involved in preparedness for climate conditions across the region — and especially as the Caribbean prepares for the possibility of severe drought conditions as a result of strong El Nino effects.
June 1st, 2026 will mark the official start of the Atlantic Hurricane Season.
