Jamaica faces near-record summer heat as bush fires surge across parishes

Jamaica is contending with an extended spell of intense heat that has pushed daytime temperatures toward record levels and fuelled a surge in bush fires across multiple parishes, drawing urgent warnings from health officials and the Jamaica Fire Brigade.

The Ministry of Health and Wellness cautions that prolonged exposure to extreme temperatures can cause dehydration, heat exhaustion, and in severe cases heat stroke. At the same time, the fire brigade reports a marked increase in vegetation fires since late June, with officials expecting this season's count to surpass last year's figures for the same period.

Meteorologist Javoy Sawyers said readings of around 34 degrees Celsius have already been recorded in early July, well above the typical highs of 32 to 33 degrees expected at this time of year. With the summer peak still ahead in late July and August, he projects maximum temperatures of 35 to 36 degrees in some areas. Overnight lows that normally fall near 22 or 23 degrees could remain as warm as 27 or 28 degrees. Sawyers noted that a high of 35 degrees recorded so early in the season may already match or approach Jamaica's all-time maximum.

Several factors are driving the conditions, Sawyers explained: warming sea surface temperatures, Sahara dust trapping solar radiation, and subsiding air linked to the current El Niño pattern, which compresses and warms the atmosphere while trapping heat near the surface. The pattern also favours drier weather and reduced rainfall, though wind shear associated with El Niño may limit hurricane development this season.

Superintendent Emilio Ibanks, the brigade's public education officer, urged Jamaicans to refrain from burning garbage, clearing land by fire, or igniting brush for any purpose outside of normal cooking. Burning refuse is unlawful and poses severe risks to homes, he said. Landowners should instead mulch cleared material or store garbage in proper containers until collection.

"Simply don't burn," Ibanks said. "Outside of cooking, don't burn."

Anyone who spots a fire should call the brigade at 110 or their nearest fire station immediately without attempting to fight the flames. In the event of a house fire, residents should evacuate and await trained responders. Calls placed to 119 are typically transferred to the fire brigade.

Sawyers advised limiting outdoor activity during peak heat hours, drinking water with electrolytes rather than water alone, wearing light ventilated clothing and sunblock regardless of skin tone, and scheduling children's outdoor play for cooler morning or evening periods.