PUBLIC WEATHER FORECAST FOR ST. MAARTEN
DATE ISSUED: Wednesday, September 21, 2016 @ 12:00 LST (16:00 UTC)
VALID UNTIL: Thursday midday (12:00 LST) September 22, 2016
WEATHER:
Today through Thursday midday: Partly cloudy to cloudy with isolated showers, some of which could be heavy and the chance of isolated thunderstorms.
Forecast High: 31°C / 88°F Forecast Low: 27°C / 81°F
Sunset Today: 6:09 P.M. Sunrise Tomorrow: 6:01 A.M.
SURFACE WINDS:
Today: Northeast to west with a light to gentle breeze of 04 to 10 miles per hour, becoming variable and calm at times.
Thursday morning: West to south with a light to gentle breeze of 04 to 10 miles per hour.
SYNOPSIS:
The proximity of Karl continues to weaken the local pressure gradient resulting in light winds across the local region. Instability due to the changed wind flow, moderately conducive upper levels and available low level moisture could generate cloudy periods, isolated showers and the chance for isolated thunderstorms during this forecast period.
Sea conditions will be Moderate, at least through Tomorrow, with waves peaking near 7 feet, especially along the eastern and northern coasts. Small craft operators and sea bathers should exercise caution.
STATE OF THE SEA: Slight to Moderate WAVES/SWELLS: 4 to 7 feet
SPECIAL FEATURES:
Tropical Depression Karl remains disorganized with a decrease in forward speed. At 11 am, Karl was located about 340 miles northeast of St. Maarten. Karl is moving toward the west-northwest near 09 mph. Maximum sustained winds are near 35 mph with higher gusts. This system is forecast to pass north of the Lesser Antilles today through Thursday.
Nevertheless, bands of moisture and instability could generate cloudiness and increase chances for shower activity with the chance of isolated thunderstorms across the local region. Residents are advised to keep updated on its progress.
At 11 am, Tropical Storm Lisa continues its northwestward trek with no change in intensity. This system is moving toward the northwest at 08 mph. Maximum sustained winds of 50 mph with some additional strengthening is possible today.
The Meteorological Department of St. Maarten will continue to monitor the progress of these systems.
OUTLOOK through Friday midday: Partly cloudy with isolated showers possible.
FORECASTER: Pierre
The next weather forecast will be issued today at 18:00 LST (22:00 UTC).
For further information visit our website: www.meteosxm.com.
