Source document: https://docs-lawep.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/1697798972830.pdf (Dominica)
MONTHLY AGRO-METEOROLOGICAL BULLETIN Vol.

5 Issue 6 December 2016 OVERVIEW OF CONDITIONS FOR DECEMBER Rainfall for December across Dominica ranged from below normal along parts of the eastern coast to above normal along the central and western areas.

The Atlantic High Pressure System dominated the weather conditions resulting in frequent passing shower activity and gusty winds.
SUMMARY OF 2016 DOUGLAS-CHARLES AIRPORT Rainfall  2592.9mm (normal )  Wettest month (October -370.4mm)  Driest month (February -102.3mm)  Wettest day (May 11th –110.6mm) Temperature  27.7°C (normal )  Hottest month (August– 29.2°C)  Coolest month (January- 26.1°C)  Highest temperature (October 9th -32.4°C )  Lowest temperature (February 5th-18.7°C) Parameter (DECEMBER) Canefield Airport Douglas-Charles Airport Rainfall Total 270.9mm (above normal) 76.7 to 113.6mm 7th (30.4mm) 134.1mm (below normal) 140.7 to 209.6mm Rainfall 6th (22.0mm) Normal Wettest day  1956.9mm (above normal ) CANEFIELD AIRPORT 24 ( above normal) Wet Days (≥1.0mm) 27.3°C Temperature 26.9°C 30 year average 18 ( normal) 27.2°C 26.6°C  Wettest month (November– 312.0mm)  Driest month (April-30.2mm) Maximum Tempera- ture 33.0°C (2nd, 3rd) 30.7°C (24th) Minimum Temperature 20.8°C (31st) 20.5°C (31st) Relative Humidity 69% 76% Maximum wind gust 52km/h(18th,27th ) 65km/h (17th,18th)  Wettest day (September 28th – 98.6mm)(Tropical Storm Matthew) Temperature  28.2°C (above normal)  Hottest month (August- 29.5°C) 6hrs 36mins 6hrs 24mins  Highest temperature (October 12th-35.5°C )  Coolest month (January 26.5°C) Average daily sunshine hours Normal - Table 1 December weather parameters  Lowest temperature (January 11th-19.7°C) 1 Figure 1 Daily rainfall at Canefield and Douglas-Charles Airports FARMING COMMUNITY SUMMARY OF 2016 The year 2016 was filled with mixed weather patterns that had significant impacts on the agricultural sector.
The sea- sonal forecast issued during the year for normal to above normal rainfall conditions were observed by those in the farming community.

Vegetable production was severely affected by the excessive water and strong winds.

Root crop production on the other hand saw different results as production of these crops were high.

Tree and fruit crop production had an average production level.

The recovery efforts from Tropical Storm Erika can be observed on many farmers holdings.
However, in 2016 the agricultural sector was again negatively impacted by Tropical Storm Mathew and other weather events.

Flooding on the west coast as a result of a trough system.

SUMMARY OF DECEMBER  Continuous rainfall during the month resulted in wa- terlogged soils.

Soil erosion was reported on steep sloping lands.

Crops planted in heavy clay soils faced water stress by an overabundance of water in the soil.

Most crops were well supplied with all their water demands.
Rain water harvesting and storage contain- ers on farms were filled to capacity.

 This wet conditions experienced during the month impacted negatively on vegetable production.

Farm- ers who tried to establish their vegetable crops expe- rienced severe losses as most seedlings were not able to withstand the conditions.

In general vegetable pro- duction was relatively low with cabbage, spinach and culinary herbs having average production.

 Root and tree crop farmers continued establishments.
Dasheen farmers took advantage of the rainy condi- tions as these conditions are favourable.

Root crops especially da- sheen, citrus, sorrel, plan- tain and bana- na crops were the main har- vest for the period.

Sorrel plant  Livestock farmers reported an increase in internal par- asite, worms and ticks.

De-worming practices and tick control measures were enforced dur- ing the month.

Livestock farm- ers reported minimal loss of livestock.

Small ruminants sur- veillance and monitoring is ongoing.
 The weather conditions experienced were conducive for pests and disease proliferation.

Surveillance by Plant Protection Officers were conducted.

The Black Sigatoka Program experienced some challenges with activities such as scheduled spraying on farms that were planned for the period.

Black Sigatoka Disease infected leaves 2 REGIONAL OVERVIEW ON SEASONAL FORECASTS FOR JANUARY-FEBRUARY-MARCH 2017 Rainfall Outlook  The chances for 3-day extreme wet spells are low.
 There are no drought concerns for Dominica for the season.

 Disruptions of outdoor activities by rainfall will become fewer as the months progress.

 Depletion of large reservoirs during the dry season would likely be slower than in 2015.

Temperature Outlook Drought Alert Forecast:  Above to normal rainfall totals can be expected for the season January to March 2017.

 There is a 45% chance for above normal rainfall; 35% chance normal and a 20% chance for below normal.
 Little change from the usual amount of wet days is ex- pected.

The forecast range is around 26 to 63 days, with expected 7-day wet spells to range from 0 to 3.

Temperatures across the Caribbean are forecast to rise but generally continue to be comfortable until April, with the chance of heat waves appearing in May and June for many.
(Maximum temperature normal range: 28-30°C) (Minimum temperature normal range: 21-22°C) Probability for: Maximum/ day-time temperature, Minimum/ night-time temperature and Average temper- ature is 40% chance of above normal; 35% chance nor- mal; 25% chance of below normal.

3 Vol.

5 Issue 6 December 2016  Crop planting schedule is important to meet the market demands and to have a consistent supply of quality products on the market.
 Producers need to schedule their planting dates with favourable weather conditions.

 Researchers, technicians and extension officers should incorporate weather information in their work plans and programs as most of the activities undertaken within the farming community are di- rectly link to weather.
 Paying close attention to the weather and climate can save or help a farmer with his/her investment  The meteorological service has and will continue to provide daily, monthly, quarterly and six month weather and climate forecast and can be used as an early warning system.

 Farmers are encouraged to provide feedback and suggestions for the continued improvement of this bulletin.
The Division of Agriculture would like to improve the reading experience of the bulletin and provide information for farmers that will be useful and meaningful.
MOON PHASES FQ:05th FM:12th LQ:19th NM:28th CLIMATE SUMMARY FOR JANUARY Parameter Canefield Airport Rainfall 81.6 -138.2mm Douglas-Charles Airport 97.0 – 153.9mm -highest total 228.2mm (2011) 249.0mm (1998) -lowest total 31.3mm (2001) 68.6mm (1989) Temperature 26.4°C 26.1°C -maximum 32.0°C (2005) 31.8°C (1987) -minimum 18.2°C (2008) 17.1°C (1988) Chance of 5 day dry spell Chance of 10 day dry spell 71% 36% 39% 3% Table 2 climate summary for January FARMER’S OUTLOOK Based on the forecast for above to normal rainfall amounts:  Farmers must remain vigilant in the fight of pest and dis- ease problems.
 Water management on farms is also critical.

This includes fresh and waste water management and must be factored in your farm management techniques.

 The relationship between the available water in the soil and the water demand of the crop must be understood for making decisions regarding the irrigation needs of the farm.

 Farmers must also pay attention to their land manage- ment.

Avoid leaving excessive amount of soils bare and exposed to the factors of the weather.
The top soil which is the most fertile part of the soil can easily be eroded by excessive water or strong wind.

Agromet bulletins from across the region can be accessed via http://rcc.cimh.edu.bb/climate-bulletins/agriculture/ This bulletin is prepared by the Dominica Meteorological Service with support from the Ministry of Agriculture.

Feedback on this bulletin should be forwarded to metoffice@cwdom.dm or aictudoa@gmail.com .

Tele: 767 445 7878, 767 449 1990.


Website: www.weather.gov.dm Hotline: 447 5555 4