Excessive Heat Watch in effect from Tuesday, MET Office advises; temperatures could soar past 100 degrees Fahrenheit

For another week, excessive heat will envelop Antigua and Barbuda, prompting the Meteorological Services to issue an Excessive Heat Watch.

Meteorologist Dale Destin says the watch takes effect from Tuesday, October 26, and runs until Saturday, October 30.

Destin says low-pressure systems are expected to traverse the North Atlantic and cause an interruption of the wind flow across the area. This will result in favourable conditions for warmer than usual weather, Destin says.

“The combination of light winds, heat and humidity will likely result in the heat index — or feels-like temperature —  rising to high levels, with the potential for extensive impacts,” he says.

An excessive heat watch is issued when conditions are favourable for an excessive heat event, i.e., a heat index of 38 °C (100 °F) or higher.

He says there is the potential for the heat index to rise above 41 °C (or 106 °F) at which time the Excessive Heat Watch could turn into a warning.

According to Destin, this level of heat puts everyone at risk for heat illnesses; however, the risks are greatest for the elderly, young children, people with chronic illnesses such as breathing difficulties, heart conditions or psychiatric illnesses.