PUBLIC WEATHER FORECAST FOR ST. MAARTEN 

…A TROPICAL STORM WARNING IS NOW IN EFFECT FOR ST. MAARTEN… …A SMALL CRAFT ADVISRY IS IN EFFECT FOR ST. MAARTEN
UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE… 

WEATHER:    

This afternoon through Friday midday: Breezy and cloudy, becoming occasionally overcast, with isolated showers and a chance of thunderstorms. 

Forecast High: 32°C / 90°F             Forecast Low: 26°C / 79°F 

Sunset Today: 6:14 P.M.                Sunrise Tomorrow: 6:00 A.M.   

SURFACE WINDS: 
This afternoon through Friday midday: Northeasterly with a gentle to moderate breeze of 08 to 18 mph and higher gusts possible. 

SYNOPSIS:   

A surge of moisture and instability will account for isolated showers and a chance of thunderstorms across the local area. Showers may become moderate to heavy at times. Persons in areas prone to flooding should remain vigilant.  

Hazardous sea conditions can be expected. A small craft advisory remains in effect for St. Maarten and a warning may be issued in the subsequent forecast. Sea users and persons with interest along the coast should exercise caution and secure their property.  

STATE OF THE SEA:  Moderate to rough         WAVES/SWELLS: 6 to 10 feet  

SPECIAL FEATURE: 
At 11:00 AM the center of tropical storm Fiona was located near latitude 16.6 North, longitude 54.3 West or about 590 miles east southeast of St. Maarten.  

Maximum sustained winds are near 50 mph with higher gusts. Fiona is moving toward the west near 14 mph. This motion with some decrease in forward speed is expected to continue through Saturday. A possible turn toward the west-northwest is expected on Sunday.  

On its forecast track, the center of Fiona is forecast to pass at its closest approximately 60 miles south of St. Maarten on Saturday. However, impacts are expected by Friday afternoon.  

Maximum sustained winds are near 50 mph with higher gusts. Tropical-storm-force winds extend outward up to 140 miles (220 km) north of the center. 

The estimated minimum central pressure is 1002 mb (29.59 inches). 

The Meteorological Department of St. Maarten will continue to monitor this system and keep the public updated on possible impacts. 

OUTLOOK through Saturday midday: Generally cloudy to overcast and windy with showers and thunderstorms. 

FORECASTER: Gordon 

3-DAY FORECAST