DATE ISSUED: Friday, August 18, 2017 @ 12:00 LST (16:00 UTC)
VALID UNTIL: Saturday midday (12:00 LST) August 19, 2017
…A SMALL CRAFT ADVISORY IS IN EFFECT FOR ST. MAARTEN FROM 6AM TODAY UNTIL SATURDAY MORNING…
WEATHER:
This afternoon through Saturday midday: Partly cloudy to cloudy, hazy and breezy with passing showers.
Forecast High: 31°C / 88°F Forecast Low: 26°C / 79°F
Sunset Today: 6:37 P.M. Sunrise Tomorrow: 5:56 A.M.
SURFACE WINDS:
This afternoon through Saturday midday: East northeast to east with a gentle to fresh breeze of 10 to 22 miles per hour and higher gusts.
SYNOPSIS:
A dry and stable atmosphere across the northeastern Caribbean region will restrict precipitation across the local area. A gradual deterioration is expected as available low level moisture increases. Meanwhile, Tropical Storm Harvey is passing south of the region and is expected to tighten to pressure gradient. As a result an increase in wind speeds and deteriorating seas are expected.
Moderate to rough seas are expected during today with seas peaking near 10 feet. A Small craft advisory is in effect for rough seas and high winds. Small craft operators and sea bathers should exercise caution.
STATE OF THE SEA: Moderate to Rough WAVES/SWELLS: 7 to 10 feet
SPECIAL FEATURE:
At 11 AM, Tropical Storm Harvey continues to move through the southern portion of the region and does not pose a threat to St. Maarten.
Additionally, showers and thunderstorms associated with an area of low pressure 750 miles east northeast of the Leeward Islands continues to show signs of organization. Any little improvement in organization could lead to the formation of a tropical depression. The low is expected to move west northwestward at about 20 mph and has a high chance (70%) of becoming a tropical cyclone with 48 hours to 5 days.
The Meteorological Department of St Maarten (MDS) will continue to monitor its progress.
OUTLOOK through Sunday midday: Partly cloudy to cloudy and breezy with isolated showers and possible isolated thunderstorms.
FORECASTER: Gordon
