Wednesday, January 13, 2010

Operation Haiti: Search and Rescue Weather

In the wake of the strongest earthquake in centuries to disasterize (new word made up right here at The Northeast Quadrant) Haiti, what will the weather be like?

The first 36 hours following a major earthquake are the most critical. This time frame is the most dire for victims being rescued. Nearly 18 hours since the earthquake hit, weather is cooperating for search and rescue operations.

The next several days near the Haitian capital of Port-au-Prince will be sunny and mostly dry, with just a slight chance of showers here and there. This forecast will likely aid recovery and cleanup efforts following the earthquake.

However, one thing to note is that the Caribbean Islands are now in their "dry season," meaning there is very little humidity accompanying very warm temperatures near 90 degrees, Fahrenheit. So while the weather will cooperate for those involved in the search and rescue mission, victims of the quake will need to scouer for any and all resources for remaining hydrated in these conditions.