Jamaica’s Meteorological Service is monitoring two tropical waves moving across the Atlantic, including one system that has a chance of developing into a tropical depression before reaching the Caribbean.
Principal Director of the Meteorological Service Branch in the Ministry of Water, Environment and Climate Change Evan Thompson provided an update Thursday, Aug. 13, saying one of the systems was showing some potential for development within the next 24 hours.
“What is expected is that it will … strengthen for a short period. But as it enters the Caribbean region on the weekend, we are expecting that some weakening will take place,” Thompson said.
The system is expected to pass near Jamaica on Monday, Aug. 17, potentially bringing rainfall to sections of the island.
Thompson said the system is not expected to strengthen into a tropical storm or hurricane as it passes near Jamaica.
“We’re just likely to experience a tropical wave … a strong tropical wave probably … moving across our region and bringing some well-needed rainfall,” he said.
The National Hurricane Center is also monitoring Invest 92-L, located about 800 miles east of the Lesser Antilles. The system is producing showers and thunderstorms, although the activity has become less organized and the system does not have a closed circulation.
The NHC said Invest 92-L is expected to move into an area of strong upper-level winds and dry air, which could reduce its chances of developing.
“Interests in the Lesser Antilles should monitor the progress of this system as gusty winds and areas of heavy rain are possible Friday night and Saturday, regardless of development,” the NHC said.
Invest 92-L has a 40% chance of developing over the next 48 hours and a 40% chance of developing over the next seven days. If it strengthens into a named tropical storm, the next name on the Atlantic hurricane season list is Dolly.
Meanwhile, Tropical Storm Cristobal has degenerated into a post-tropical remnant low over the northern Atlantic and no longer poses a significant tropical threat.
The Meteorological Service of Jamaica is encouraging residents to monitor official updates as the systems move across the region.
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