CIMH's work under ClimSA
The Caribbean Institute for Meteorology and Hydrology (CIMH), technical organ of the Caribbean Meteorological Organization (CMO), started the implementation of the ClimSA Caribbean Programme in 2021. The programme - concluding in 2027 - focuses on the health sector in Dominica, agriculture and food security in Guyana, and the water sector in Jamaica, while also delivering regional capacity-building initiatives and climate services support across the wider Caribbean. Activities support the implementation of the Caribbean Framework for Climate Services and align with the Regional Roadmap and Plan of Action for Climate Services in the Caribbean 2020-2030.
Strengthening climate services and regional collaboration
ClimSA supported the establishment and strengthening of National Climate Outlook Forums (NCOFs) in Dominica, Jamaica, and Antigua and Barbuda, creating national platforms for climate-informed decision-making and cross-sector collaboration. It also strengthened regional climate dialogue and decision-making through Caribbean Climate Outlook Forums (CariCOFs).
The programme expanded the Participatory Integrated Climate Services for Agriculture (PICSA) approach in Jamaica and Guyana, equipping extension officers and sector practitioners to support climate-smart agricultural decision-making.
More than 340 stakeholders engaged between 2023 and 2026 through CariCOFs and NCOFs.
79% of participating farmers reported changes in farming practices and 59% reported increased income following PICSA implementation in Jamaica.
Six automatic weather stations and dust and air-quality monitoring equipment were deployed and installed in Dominica, Guyana and Jamaica. Upgrades to the CariCOF Outlook Generator (CAROGEN), Climate Predictability Tool (CPT), and other climate monitoring and forecasting applications strengthened regional climate forecasting capabilities.
Training in climate information systems, forecasting tools, climate databases, and climate service delivery was provided to Caribbean meteorological services in 15 CMO Member States.
ClimSA advanced the development of climate services products, including seasonal heat outlooks, flash flood outlooks, climate-health bulletins, agricultural drought products, and heat-stress forecasting systems. The programme also strengthened regional climate data management and access through data rescue initiatives in Jamaica and Dominica, enhanced climate databases, and the digitization of more than 5,000 climate impact records through the Caribbean Climate Impacts Database.
Through ClimSA, CIMH expanded the reach and use of climate information through public awareness campaigns, climate bulletins, audiovisual products, media engagement, and climate communication training for meteorological services and media professionals across the Caribbean.