The Barbados-based Caribbean Climate Outlook Forum (CariCOF) informs that this year, the Caribbean will experience increased rainfall amounts, specifically in the Bahamas, the Cayman Islands, Cuba, and the Guianas. "The transition into the wet season is forecast to increase rainfall amounts in the Bahamas, the Cayman Islands, Cuba and the Guianas. By contrast, the onset of the wet season may be delayed by up to one month in the other islands and in Belize," said CariCOF. "Despite these contrasting scenarios, very wet spells and, possibly, extreme wet spells in the period means a moderate to high potential for flooding, flash floods and related hazards," it said, warning that ongoing short term drought might persist in the Antilles from Hispaniola eastwards. Dry spells, though decreasing in frequency, may spark heatwaves throughout Belize and the Caribbean Islands.