Update on weather systems

The Barbados Meteorological Services has provided an update on the two systems they have been tracking.

At 11:00 a.m. the centre of Tropical Storm Bret was located near 11.9N 47.0W or about 853 miles/ 1374 km east of Barbados. Its maximum sustained winds remain near 40 mph or 65km/h, with present movement is towards the west or 275 degrees at 21 mph or 33km/h and minimal central pressure of 1008 MB.

During the morning, the centre of Tropical Storm Bret became exposed. The official intensity forecast is still calling for some intensification but below hurricane strength over the next few days, by the time it reaches the northern Windwards/Leewards.

On its current forecast track, the centre of the system is expected to pass 72km/45 miles to the north of Barbados on Thursday afternoon, which is further south than the last update.

The Met Office highlighted that there is still some considerable uncertainty in the forecast track and forward speed as Bret approaches the islands of the Eastern Caribbean.

Marine conditions are expected to deteriorate during the passage of Bret on Thursday and into early Friday particularly in open waters well north of Barbados. Sea conditions around Barbados are expected to become moderate to rough in open water with some choppy conditions affecting the west coastlines of Barbados. Mariners are advised not to venture too far from port leading up until Thursday and Friday.

Additionally, an area of disturbed weather centred near 8.5N 31.5W continues to produce disorganized showers in the Eastern Atlantic. Environmental conditions are expected to be marginally conducive to the slow development of this system later this week as the system tracks westward at 10 to 15mph.

While there are no watches or warnings in effect for Barbados, due to the location within the Central Atlantic of Tropical Storm Bret, the public is urged to continue monitoring the updates from the BMS along with postings by GIS and DEM.

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