Guyana is being advised to brace for a wetter-than-normal rainy season between December 2025 and February 2026, with the Hydrometeorological Office signalling an increased likelihood of frequent wet days and heavier downpours across much of the country.
The forecast was outlined at the 19th National Climate Outlook Forum (NCOP), where officials from the Ministry of Agriculture’s Hydrometeorological Service met with representatives from key sectors to discuss the seasonal outlook and its implications. The forum, held twice yearly, serves as a space for agencies to align their planning with emerging climate trends.
During the opening session, Deputy Chief Hydrometeorological Officer Haymattie Danny underscored the importance of climate information in day-to-day decision-making. She reminded participants that climate risks, particularly sea level rise and increased extreme weather events, continue to shape Guyana’s vulnerabilities. She also highlighted NCOP’s role in helping public and private entities better understand seasonal forecasts and apply them to reduce risks.
Climatologist Komal Chandila later presented the detailed seasonal outlook, noting that global and regional forecasting models are signalling near- to above-normal rainfall for most regions during the December to February period. According to him, coastal and near-inland communities face a higher likelihood of wetter conditions compared to the long-term average.
He explained that the projected rainfall pattern is tied to ocean temperature trends in the Pacific and Atlantic, shifts in the Intertropical Convergence Zone, and other major climate drivers. Although neither El Niño nor La Niña is dominating the climate system at this time, current atmospheric and ocean conditions still support an increase in rainfall during Guyana’s secondary rainy season.
The forecast points to more wet days than usual and a greater chance of heavy rainfall events, including days where accumulations exceed 25 millimetres. It also highlights the possibility of rising water levels in conservancies and reservoirs as the season progresses.
However, the outlook is not uniform across the country. Southern sections of Region Six and parts of Region Nine are expected to continue experiencing below-normal rainfall, with a drought watch still in effect for those areas.
Chandila also cautioned that even in a wetter-than-normal season, dry spells are still likely, especially when factors such as Saharan dust outbreaks temporarily suppress rainfall.
Hydromet officials are urging all sectors, agriculture, health, infrastructure, water management, and disaster response, to use the forecast proactively as the country prepares for the upcoming rains.
