DATE ISSUED: Wednesday, September 26, 2018 @ 12:00 LST (16:00 UTC)
VALID UNTIL: Thursday midday (12:00 LST) September 27, 2018
WEATHER:
This afternoon through Thursday midday: Partly cloudy to cloudy with isolated showers.
Forecast High: 31°C / 88°F Forecast Low: 25°C / 77°F
Sunset Today: 6:05 P.M. Sunrise Tomorrow: 6:02 A.M.
SURFACE WINDS:
This afternoon through Thursday midday: East northeast to east with a moderate breeze of 13 to 18 mph.
SYNOPSIS:
Available moisture and instability in the wake of a tropical wave will cause isolated showers across the region during this forecast period.
Marine conditions will continue to deteriorate as Tropical Storm Kirk moves closer to the Islands. Waves are expected to peak near 8 feet by tomorrow morning. Small craft operators and sea bathers should exercise caution.
STATE OF THE SEA: Moderate to rough WAVES/SWELLS: 5 to 8 feet
SPECIAL FEATURE:
At 11:00 am, the center of Tropical Storm Kirk was located near latitude 12.1 north, longitude 54.3 west or about 709 miles southeast of St Maarten. Kirk is moving toward the west near 18 mph with maximum sustained winds near 50 mph and higher gusts. Little change in strength is forecast until Kirk moves through the central Lesser Antilles Thursday night, after which it is forecast to weaken.
The center of Tropical Storm Kirk is expected to pass approximately 194 miles south of St. Maarten and storm force winds extend up to 115 miles from the center. However, gusty wind, high seas and heavy rainfall could be expected with the passage of this system.
The Meteorological Department St Maarten will continue to monitor the progress of Tropical Storm Kirk and update the public accordingly. Residents are advised to keep informed on that system.
OUTLOOK through Friday midday: Partly cloudy to cloudy with isolated showers.
FORECASTER: Albert
