Dominica’s Ministry of Health, Wellness and Social Services has partnered with the Dominica Meteorological Service to release the third edition of its joint Health-Climatic Bulletin, a public document covering the three-month period from September through November 2026. Designed as a proactive resource for community preparedness, the bulletin integrates up-to-date climate data, epidemiological reports, and public health guidance to help residents understand and prepare for emerging climate-linked health threats.
The bulletin’s core climate outlook projects below-average rainfall across the island with a high degree of scientific confidence, but officials emphasize that the risk of flash flooding remains unusually elevated. Forecasters estimate between 5 and 9 intense excessive rainfall events are possible throughout the quarter, creating persistent flood-related hazards. Additionally, average temperatures are expected to run higher than historical averages, with a moderate probability of extreme heat events that can carry negative health impacts for vulnerable populations.
Beyond climate projections, the bulletin outlines key ongoing climate-sensitive disease risks. For the period between May and July 2026, 121 suspected cases of dengue were reported, of which 3 have been confirmed via laboratory testing. Leptospirosis also remains a public health priority: 4 suspected cases and 2 confirmed cases were recorded in the same period. On a positive note, the rollout of domestic real-time PCR testing for leptospirosis has significantly improved Dominica’s capacity for early detection and rapid response to outbreaks of the disease. Another persistent environmental health threat is incoming Saharan dust, which exacerbates respiratory conditions such as asthma and creates elevated risk for people living with pre-existing respiratory illnesses.
To support residents in taking proactive steps to protect their health, the bulletin includes tailored, actionable guidance for reducing risk across multiple health categories. Guidance covers respiratory and gastrointestinal illnesses, vector-borne diseases like dengue, heat-related illness, and non-communicable conditions. It also addresses mental health and general well-being, emphasizing the importance of adaptive action as weather and environmental conditions shift throughout the quarter. The full bulletin is available for public access online.