Jamaica to the Philippines, Cuba to Vietnam – countries around the world are dealing with aftermath of heavy storms and flooding; with hundreds dead and billions in damage. The role of meteorologists warning of extreme weather is increasingly valuable. Ella Al-Shamahi talks to two women tracking hurricanes and cyclones about the importance of their work.

Kathy Ann Caesar is chief meteorologist at the Caribbean Institute for Meteorology and Hydrology in Barbados. As well as lecturing and teaching the next generation of weather watchers Kathy also advises regional institutions and emergency services on the advent of extreme weather events.

Holly Hamilton is Director of Meteorology at Turks and Caicos Islands Airports Authority. The island only got its own weather forecasting service in 2022, they previously used just weather forecasting from the Bahamas. Holly is building the team to bring a more accurate picture of the weather they expect for the local community as well as the airports authority.

Produced by Jane Thurlow

(Image: (L) Kathy Ann Caesar, credit Norada Thorinton. (R) Holly Hamilton, credit Watsonne Photography.)