Geography and Environment

Geography and Environment of The Bahamas

Terrain, climate, natural resources, hazards, and environmental conditions of The Bahamas.

Speed

Overview

strategic location adjacent to US and Cuba; extensive island chain of which 30 are inhabited

Terrain: long, flat coral formations with some low rounded hills
Climate: There are no significant seasonal changes requiring winter clothing or central heating in the Bahamas. The rainy season is from May to October with an average in Nassau of six inches per month. From November through April, average rainfall is two inches per month. The hurricane season extends from June through November, the greatest risk being in August, September, and October. In the winter, temperatures rarely fall below 60°F, and usually reach 77°F by mid-afternoon. During the summer, temperatures fluctuate between 85–90°F in the daytime and 75°F or less in the evening. Although humidity can reach about 80% (relative humidity for September is 82%), prevailing easterly winds lessen personal discomfort. Temperatures vary from a low of 76.7°F in January to a high of 89.1°F in August. Humidity causes mildew on leather and textile products, but homes equipped with central air‑conditioning or dehumidifiers neutralize the harmful effects. Rainfall often occurs in the form of fairly intense showers, frequently accompanied by strong, gusty winds. These storms are usually short and are followed by clear skies. Weather conditions can change rapidly. Statistically, a hurricane can be expected to occur in some part of the Bahamas every nine years.
Highest Point: 63 — Mount Alvernia, on Cat Island 63 m
Lowest Point: Atlantic Ocean 0 m

Natural Resources: salt, aragonite, timber, arable land
Natural Hazards: hurricanes and other tropical storms cause extensive flood and wind damage

Current Environmental Issues: coral reef decay; solid waste disposal
International Agreements: party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Wetlands signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements