Belize Faces Heavy Rainfall, Caribbean and Atlantic Monitored for Current Tropical Waves

This morning, the National Hurricane Center in Miami reported several tropical waves with low chances of development. A tropical wave moving west at 20 mph is generating “disorganised showers and thunderstorms” near southeastern Cuba and Jamaica, with only a 30 percent chance of formation over the next week. Another wave, east of the Lesser Antilles, is showing minimal activity and has a 10 percent chance of significant development. A third wave in the eastern Atlantic is also producing disorganised showers, with a 20 percent chance of slow development in the coming week.

In Belize, the National Meteorological Service has issued a warning for “moist and unstable conditions” expected to continue over the next few days. The 24-hour forecast indicates “mostly cloudy to overcast skies,” with “a few showers, thunderstorms, and periods of rain” impacting northern and central areas today, with increased activity anticipated tonight, especially over the south and coast. 

An excessive rainfall watch is in effect due to the potential for heavy rainfall, and small craft operators are advised to exercise caution due to gusty winds and rough seas.

Belize Joins Global Fight Against Pine Bark Beetle in Major WVSU-led Workshop

The pine bark beetle, a tiny but relentless invader, is wreaking havoc on forests and threatening global food security. As this insidious pest spreads its destruction across continents, urgent action is needed to halt its advance and protect vital ecosystems.

West Virginia State University (WVSU) has stepped up to meet this challenge with a new initiative aimed at combating the beetle’s threat. Led by Dr. Ayesha Sarker, assistant research professor of food science, the 1890 Center of Excellence for Global Food Security and Defense launched a project titled “A Collaborative Network for Monitoring Emerging Plant and Animal Diseases for Food Security.”

This summer, WVSU hosted a critical workshop in Belize, “Addressing New and Emerging Pests and Diseases: The Case of Pine Bark Beetle in Belize,” in collaboration with the University of Belize and the Forestry Department. The event, held at the Central Farm, brought together experts, students, and stakeholders to discuss beetle identification and integrated pest management strategies.

Dr. Sarker highlighted the workshop’s impact, stating, “The workshop focused on potential technical support from regional partners in specialized areas such as pine bark beetle identification training and IPM control measures.” The initiative aims to strengthen international partnerships and improve monitoring and data collection to effectively tackle this global pest threat.

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