DATE ISSUED: Tuesday, August 18, 2020 @ 12:00 LST (16:00 UTC)
VALID UNTIL: Wednesday midday (12:00 LST) August 19, 2020
WEATHER:
This afternoon through Wednesday midday: Fair to partly cloudy, hazy and breezy.
Forecast High: 32°C / 90°F Forecast Low: 28°C / 82°F
Sunset Today: 6:36 P.M. Sunrise Tomorrow: 5:56 A.M.
SURFACE WINDS:
This afternoon through Wednesday midday: East northeast to east with a moderate to fresh breeze of 13 to 22 mph and higher gusts.
SYNOPSIS:
The Atlantic high-pressure ridge is supporting a relatively dry and stable atmosphere and brisk winds. Lingering Saharan dust will help to restrict rainfall across the local area. Meanwhile, a fast-moving strong tropical wave is generating unsettled weather over portions of the Windward and southern Leeward Islands.
Moderate sea conditions can be expected for the next few days with waves peaking up to 7 feet. Small craft operator and sea bathers should exercise caution.
STATE OF THE SEA: Moderate WAVES/SWELLS: 5 to 7 feet
SPECIAL FEATURE:
- A tropical wave located in the eastern Caribbean Sea continues to move westward while producing disorganized showers and thunderstorms. The system could become more favourable for the development of a tropical depression during the latter part of this week.
* Formation chance through 48 hours…low…20 percent.
* Formation chance through 5 days…medium…60 percent.
- A broad area of low pressure located in the eastern tropical Atlantic is producing a concentrated area of showers and thunderstorms. Environmental conditions are favourable for further development, and a tropical depression is likely to form within the next day or two while the system moves westward to west-northwestward at 15 to 20 mph across the central and western portions of the tropical Atlantic.
* Formation chance through 48 hours…high…70 percent.
* Formation chance through 5 days…high…90 percent.
THE METEOROLOGICAL DEPARTMENT OF ST. MAARTEN WILL CONTINUE TO MONITOR THESE SYSTEMS AND UPDATE THE PUBLIC ACCORDINGLY.
OUTLOOK through Thursday midday: Fair to partly cloudy, hazy and breezy with a few isolated showers possible.
FORECASTER: Gordon
