The Antigua and Barbuda Meteorological Service has placed Antigua under a drought warning, cautioning that moderate or worse short-term drought conditions are likely to develop by the end of August.

The advisory follows a sharp decline in rainfall, with June and July recording well below normal totals — the seventh driest such period on record.

Data from the Standardized Precipitation Index (SPI) shows moderately dry conditions across most of the island and severe dryness in the north.

Although the 90-day period from May to July averaged normal rainfall, the past two months have reversed earlier gains, prompting concern among meteorologists.

Forecasts for August indicate rainfall will remain below- to near-normal. Based on SPI readings from June to August, experts expect drought conditions to worsen over the coming weeks.

While the warning currently applies only to Antigua, Barbuda is being closely monitored for signs of water stress, as insufficient rainfall data makes it difficult to confirm conditions there.

Officials are calling on residents, farmers, and businesses to take immediate steps to conserve and recycle water.

Recommendations include implementing management and preparedness plans, protecting critical resources, and carrying out urgent repairs or upgrades to water infrastructure. Climate-sensitive sectors, such as agriculture, are advised to prepare for potential impacts.

The drought warning is part of a collaborative effort between the Antigua and Barbuda Meteorological Service, the Caribbean Institute for Meteorology and Hydrology, and the Caribbean Climate Outlook Forum.

Authorities have stressed the importance of community cooperation in reducing demand on already limited water supplies, warning that continued dry conditions could escalate the situation further.