Storm conditions to impact Jamaica this weekend

In its latest bulletin issued this morning at 11 o’clock, the island’s meteorological office said the system has a 70 percent chance of developing further within the next 48 hours.

“There has been little change in the area of showers and thunderstorm associated with the Tropical Wave over the southeastern Caribbean; however, a severe weather alert remains in effect for Jamaica today. The wave has the potential to develop into a tropical depression or tropical storm over the next day or two.

“Unstable weather conditions are expected to spread over the Caribbean waters south of Jamaica within the next 36-48 hours as the system moves westward. Fishers on the cays and banks are advised to evacuate immediately and start returning to the mainland. Other small craft operators in our coastal waters are advised to return to port and small craft operators who are in port are advised not to venture out.”

The Tropical Wave moving over the southern Caribbean still shows high potential for development. The Severe Weather Alert remains in effect for Jamaica. pic.twitter.com/ToZ2jWM34d

— MetServiceJA (@MetserviceJA) September 22, 2022

The United States-based National Hurricane Center also gave an update this morning at eight o’clock on the system, stating: “Although upper-level winds are currently inhibiting development, the environment is forecast to gradually become more favorable in a  couple of days, and a tropical depression is likely to form at that time.” 

It added: “The disturbance is forecast to move west-northwestward across the eastern Caribbean Sea during the next day or two, and be over the central Caribbean Sea this weekend.  Regardless of development, locally heavy rainfall and gusty winds are likely to affect the Windward Islands, northern Venezuela, and the ABC island chain today.”

Currently it’s very humid and slight windy on the island, with day time temperature at 32 degrees but feels more like 38 degrees due to the humidity.

This condition, known as exothermic reaction because the clouds release heat, is likely to remain going into the weekend until the conditions change as the potential tropical cyclone passes south of Jamaica.

The system is being closely monitored by the island’s emergency agencies.