In September 1987, Aruba, Bonaire, and Curaçao experienced one of the most extreme heatwaves in the islands’ history. This intense weather event lasted from September 10 to September 28, bringing scorching daytime temperatures and unusually warm nights. The heatwave was attributed to a combination of weakened trade winds, an intense high-pressure system, and persistent dry conditions that allowed temperatures to soar beyond previous records.
Highest Recorded Temperatures – September 1987 Heatwave[]
- Aruba: 39.1°C (102.4°F) – September 15
- Bonaire: 38.5°C (101.3°F) – September 14
- Curaçao: 39.3°C (102.7°F) – September 16
High Nighttime Low Temperatures[]
- Aruba: 30.4°C (86.7°F) – September 18
- Bonaire: 29.9°C (85.8°F) – September 17
- Curaçao: 30.7°C (87.3°F) – September 19
This heatwave led to significant water shortages, increased electricity demand, and widespread heat-related illnesses. Many residents struggled with sleepless nights due to the unusually high nighttime lows, which provided little relief from the oppressive heat. This fictional event would have been one of the most extreme September heatwaves in the history of the ABC Islands.