The ongoing El Niño being experienced in Guyana could disrupt schools and make travel and the movement of supplies more difficult in hinterland communities, the Hydrometeorological Service has warned.
Chief Hydrometeorological Officer Dr Garvin Cummings said hotter-than-usual days and nights are expected, with at least 70 per cent of the country forecast to experience average temperatures of 32 degrees Celsius or higher.
“School attendance will be affected. Hot conditions, children will be affected,” Cummings said, warning of possible learning disruptions and child health risks.
The dry conditions could also affect hinterland communities as river levels fall. Cummings said lower river levels could disrupt transportation and supply chains, potentially forcing greater reliance on more expensive air transport, while dust from unpaved roads and possible bushfires could reduce visibility.
Hydromet has previously warned that prolonged heat could cause classroom discomfort and heat stress, while falling river levels could disrupt the movement of people, goods and essential services in the hinterland.
The warnings come as Hydromet says July was Guyana’s second-warmest July on record, with more temperature records potentially being broken before the end of the year.
