Near-record rainfall of 7.62in recorded on Wednesday
More than a month’s worth of rain deluged the island in a single day this week, according to figures from the Bermuda Weather Service.
In addition to strong to gale force winds and isolated thunderstorms, a total of 7.62in of rain was recorded by the BWS on Wednesday, making it the second wettest day on record.
Alex Young, the weather service’s deputy director, said yesterday the rainfall fell just below the single-day record of 7.77in set on June 1, 1996.
“October 2024 is the fourth wettest October per our climatological records with 12.13in of rainfall being recorded so far,” Mr Young said.
“October 1967 holds the record with 14.55in of rainfall, followed by October 1988 and October 2023 with 13.5in and 12.23in of rainfall respectively.”
Mr Young said this week’s heavy rain was linked to a non-tropical low, which absorbed the remnants of former Hurricane Oscar.
“The upper levels of the atmosphere were also quite favourable for the enhancement of the non-tropical low,” he said.
“Together, the ingredients, tropical moisture from Oscar and enhancement of the vertical growth of clouds via the favourable upper atmosphere, were there for a significant rainfall event to occur.
“Climatologically speaking, we are currently within a La Niña watch which means La Niña conditions are likely to develop. La Niña conditions typically result in more tropical cyclones and rainfall over the Atlantic Basin.
“Though we are in a neutral phase, it is tending towards a La Niña and such climatic conditions could have aided the favourable conditions for the non-tropical low.”
The wet and windy weather caused ferry service to St George’s to be cancelled on Wednesday, while the HSBC Bank of Bermuda was forced to temporarily close its St George’s branch yesterday because of flooding.
The bank branch is expected to welcome customers back this morning.
Heavy rainfall can be blamed for worsening potholes on the island’s roads, with the Ministry of Public Works racing to repair them as they emerge.
When torrential rain hit the island earlier this month, and when potholes have caused challenges for drivers in the past, members of the public were urged by the Government to report issues by e-mailing potholes@gov.bm so they can be addressed.
If you have pictures of potholes, please send them to news@royalgazette.com along with their location.
2024 as a whole is trending wetter than average with 60.2in of rain recorded, compared with the average of 46.85in during the same period.
Mr Young said that conditions were expected to be drier this weekend, but more rain could come before the end of the month.
“A weak front then passes on Monday bringing some additional rainfall,” he said. “Beyond five days, forecast errors increase exponentially and as such we tend to stay away from providing details beyond that.
“However, long range models suggest stronger high pressure to return on Tuesday next week and persist through the end of the month.”
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