DATE ISSUED: Wednesday, December 30, 2020 @ 12:00 LST (16:00 UTC)
VALID UNTIL: Thursday midday (12:00 LST) December 31, 2020
…A SMALL CRAFT ADVISORY IS NOW IN EFFECT FOR ST MAARTEN UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE…
WEATHER:
This afternoon through Thursday midday: Partly cloudy and breezy, becoming cloudy at times with brief isolated showers.
Forecast High: 29°C / 84°F Forecast Low: 23°C / 73°F
Sunset Today: 5:47 P.M. Sunrise Tomorrow: 6:44 A.M.
SURFACE WINDS:
This afternoon through Thursday midday: Northerly to Northeasterly with a gentle to fresh breeze of 11 to 20 mph and higher gusts up to a near gale particularly in and around showers.
SYNOPSIS:
The surface pressure gradient is forecast to tighten. The result of which will be increased wind speeds affecting the region from this afternoon lasting through the next several days. Additionally, remnant moisture associated with a dissipated frontal boundary, will be quickly pushed over the local area causing fast moving isolated showers during the forecast period.
Marine conditions will be moderate to rough, today into tomorrow. However, seas are expected to deteriorate further on Thursday night and peak near 12 feet on Friday. A small craft advisory is now in effect for St Maarten. A warning will be issued as the worsening marine conditions and its expected onset draws nearer. Small craft operators and sea bathers should exercise extreme caution to guard against loss of life and/or property damage. Beach erosion will also be of concern, particularly along the eastern and northern shores of the Island.
STATE OF THE SEA: Moderate to Rough WAVES/SWELLS: 6 to 9 feet
SPECIAL FEATURES: None.
OUTLOOK through Friday midday: Partly cloudy and windy, becoming cloudy with brief isolated showers.
FORECASTER: Pierre
