Antigua faces worsening drought conditions in the months ahead, with the Antigua and Barbuda Meteorological Service warning that drought emergencies are likely across much of the island through November.
According to Antigua News Room, the July 2026 Monthly Drought Bulletin recorded below-normal rainfall of 40.4 millimetres (1.59 inches) in June, with only seven wet days and a 14-day dry spell logged at V.C. Bird International Airport during the month.
Meteorologists noted that rainfall over the past 30 days left the island slightly dry overall, but conditions over longer periods were considerably more severe. From April through June, northern Antigua experienced extremely dry conditions, while the remainder of the island was classified as moderately dry. Over the six-month period from January through June, eastern sections were deemed extremely dry, with the rest of the island experiencing severely dry conditions.
The bulletin forecasts a drought emergency for northern Antigua by the end of August, with drought warnings expected to extend elsewhere on the island around the same time.
By the end of October, forecasters expect drought emergency conditions to prevail across the entire island under the six-month outlook. The long-term projection is equally concerning, with the bulletin forecasting an islandwide drought emergency by the end of November based on 12-month rainfall data.
The Meteorological Service is urging authorities and the public to step up drought preparedness efforts. Recommended measures include implementing water management plans, enforcing water restrictions and recycling practices, protecting water resources, repairing infrastructure, and reporting drought impacts to relevant agencies.
The bulletin also noted that insufficient data prevented a full drought assessment for Barbuda, though available rainfall estimates suggest conditions there are broadly similar to those affecting Antigua.
