Pétion-Ville, May 30, 2026.- Suffocating heat is currently falling on Haiti, where several regions record particularly high temperatures as the 2026 cyclonic season approaches. In Port-au-Prince, as in several provincial cities, the population faces suffocating days marked by high humidity and a heat sensation that is sometimes difficult to bear. This situation is of concern to climate specialists who refer to a combination of atmospheric and oceanic factors related to global warming.
According to data published by international weather organizations, this rise in temperatures is facilitated by the abnormal warming of the Atlantic and Caribbean oceans. The warmer the waters, the more they increase the humidity in the air and increase the sensation of heat in island territories like Haiti. Experts also point out that disorderly urbanization, massive deforestation and lack of green space exacerbate the effects of this heat in several areas of the country.
Several international climatologists also express their concerns about the possibility of a return of « Super El Niño » 2026. This exceptional climate phenomenon, characterized by a very high warming of the waters of the equatorial Pacific, could further upset global weather balances. Experts are concerned that extreme heat events, prolonged droughts in some areas and major disturbances in precipitation cycles may increase. Although no definitive consensus is yet established on its actual intensity, this hypothesis already feeds the concerns of climate monitoring centres.
This situation also occurs at the time of the official start of the cyclonic season in the Atlantic, a period which generally extends from 1 June to 30 November. Meteorologists monitor this year's weather closely, as warmer waters often encourage the formation of more intense weather events. In Haiti, where infrastructure remains fragile, high heats are sometimes seen as a signal for a potentially active cyclonic season.
Faced with this combination of extreme heat, climate disruption and cyclonic risks, the Hydrometeorological Unit of Haiti (UHM) calls on the population to adopt several preventive measures. The authorities recommend, inter alia, to avoid prolonged exposure to the sun between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., to drink water regularly, even in the absence of thirst, and to favour light and light clothing in order to limit the effects of heat.
The UHM also emphasizes the protection of the most vulnerable, including children, the elderly and those suffering from chronic diseases. Parents are encouraged to limit the physical activities of children under the sun during the warmest hours of the day and to ensure their hydration. In an environment that is increasingly exposed to extreme weather events, the authorities are finally encouraging the public to follow weather reports and official instructions carefully throughout the 2026 cycle season.
Quetya AUBIN
