ST JOHN’S, Antigua – Residents of Antigua & Barbuda are being warned of dry weather conditions that will be experienced, since there will be very little rainfall during the summer months.

Climatologist Dale Destin of the Antigua & Barbuda Meteorological Office said that these conditions would affect agriculture and other sectors of the country.

“We all need water, so it will always be important. If enough rain does not fall it will eventually have an impact on all of us. The farmers will first feel it and with time so will the rest of us.”

According to Destin total rainfall so far for the year has been low, and rainfall predictions for June through August is estimated at nine inches.

“We are seeing a below average rainfall total for the last several months of the year and we expect this to continue at least to the end of August,” Destin said

He noted that a drought does not mean that there will be no rainfall, but not enough to adequately supply the needs of the country.

“Of course there will be rain. A drought does not mean the absence of rain; it means below average rain or insufficient rainfall. It does not mean that it won’t rain for the next three months,” Destin added.

“It is important that we all know what happens in respect to rainfall and be conscious of the fact that we live in an area where our rainfall total varies; one month is high and the next is low. So, when we have it in abundance we have to make the best of it,” the climatologist said.

“Clearly if the drought continues then it will result in a hydrological drought; lowering of Reservoir and wells. This will have a further impact on the economy, especially to persons who need to have water to conduct vital business activity,” he added.