Antigua Records Third-Driest May Since 1928 as Drought Intensifies

Antigua experienced its third-driest May on record as rainfall across the island fell well below normal levels, according to the Antigua and Barbuda Meteorological Service’s latest Monthly Climate Summary.

The report found that Antigua received an island-wide average of just 17.5 millimetres (0.69 inches) of rainfall during May, making it the third-driest May since records began in 1928. Rainfall measured at V.C. Bird International Airport totaled only 14.2 millimetres (0.56 inches), ranking as the fifth-driest May at that location since 1928.

Meteorologists said drought conditions have intensified across the country, with the Standardized Precipitation Index indicating severely dry conditions in northern Antigua and moderately dry conditions across the remainder of the island during the past month. The report also noted that rainfall conditions for the three-month period from March through May were severely dry across Antigua.

The drought has persisted over a longer period as well. According to the report, the six-month period from December 2025 through May 2026 was classified as severely dry in northern Antigua and moderately dry across the rest of the island.

Despite the lack of rainfall, temperatures remained near normal during the month. The mean daily temperature recorded at V.C. Bird International Airport was 26.9 degrees Celsius (80.4 degrees Fahrenheit), while the mean daily maximum temperature was 29.9 degrees Celsius (85.8 degrees Fahrenheit). The highest temperature recorded at the airport was 30.4 degrees Celsius (86.7 degrees Fahrenheit) on May 31.

Across Antigua, the average temperature was 27.4 degrees Celsius (81.3 degrees Fahrenheit). The highest temperature recorded anywhere on the island reached 34.7 degrees Celsius (94.5 degrees Fahrenheit) at Five Islands on May 31.

The report showed that rainfall was unevenly distributed, with the wettest conditions occurring in southern and southwestern Antigua. Donkey Sanctuary in St. Paul recorded the highest monthly rainfall total at 83.8 millimetres (3.30 inches), while Cobbs Cross recorded the highest 24-hour rainfall total of 30.7 millimetres (1.21 inches) on May 25.

In Barbuda, total rainfall for May measured 15.8 millimetres (0.62 inches). The island experienced five wet days and a 14-day dry spell during the month. Mean daily temperature at Sir McChesney George Secondary School Station was 27.5 degrees Celsius (81.5 degrees Fahrenheit).

The Meteorological Service said satellite-estimated precipitation suggests drought conditions in Barbuda are likely similar to those being experienced in Antigua, although limited data prevents a definitive assessment.

The climate summary was issued by the Antigua and Barbuda Meteorological Service in June and examines weather conditions experienced during May 2026.

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