As the Eastern Caribbean approaches its season of sweltering heat, the University of the Virgin Islands Green Technology Center is planning to host a summit on extreme heat. Researchers are expected to share their latest findings on links between extreme heat and climate change.
Government planning and health officials, along with a coalition of stakeholders, are working to help the region adapt to a changing climate. Green Technology Center Director Greg Guannel described the summit’s goals: “the purpose of the meeting in the heat summit is to discuss, to understand what’s happening, to understand (sic) why it’s happening, how it manifests itself and solutions … in our home, in our business, but also for us when we go outside,” Guannel said.
Organizers say they also hope to hear from experts at the National Weather Service about factors contributing to extreme heat. Health experts are expected to share their latest findings on how elevated temperatures impact human health; representatives from the UVI Safety in Paradise program will be on hand to help employers learn how to protect their outdoor crews.
So far, in 2025, the Virgin Islands has enjoyed seasonally warm weather with one exception — on June 25, when the daily high reached 93 degrees. But higher temperatures are expected from July to October.
Forecasts published by Almanac.com for parts of the Atlantic, including the Caribbean, predict there will be some “hot” days between mid-July and August where daily high temperatures reach 90 degrees. When combined with high humidity, a factor called the “feels like” temperature could reach up to 100 degrees.
“It’s getting warmer and warmer. And our summers are getting hotter and hotter. A lot of the temperature that we are experiencing in the territory is linked to the sea surface temperature. And as sea surface temperatures continue to rise, our experience on land is going to be hotter and hotter,” Guannel said.
Those seeking further information about Heat Summit 2025 are urged to contact the UVI Green Technology Center at CGTC@UVI.edu or by calling 340-693-1158.
