PUBLIC WEATHER FORECAST FOR ST. MAARTEN WED 28 NOON

PUBLIC WEATHER FORECAST FOR ST. MAARTEN

DATE ISSUED: Wednesday, September 28, 2016 @ 12:00 LST (16:00 UTC)

VALID UNTIL: Thursday midday (12:00 LST) September 29, 2016

...A SMALL CRAFT WARNING IS IN EFFECT FOR ST. MAARTEN UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE…

WEATHER: 
This afternoon: Generally cloudy, hazy and windy with isolated showers possible.
Tonight through Thursday midday: Cloudy and windy, becoming overcast at times with scatter showers, some of which could be heavy, with possible isolated thunderstorms.

Forecast High: 30°C / 86°F             Forecast Low: 27°C / 81°F

Sunset Today:  6:03 P.M.                Sunrise Tomorrow: 6:03 A.M.

SURFACE WINDS: 
This afternoon through Thursday midday: East northeast to east with moderate to strong  breeze of 14 to 30 miles per hour, with higher gust.

SYNOPSIS: 

A deterioration in weather condition is expected as Tropical Storm Matthew passes south of the region. Spiral bands from this system will cause a surge in moisture and instability across the local area. As a result increased cloudiness, scattered showers some of which could be heavy and possible isolated thunderstorms with gusty winds can be expected.

Residents in flood prone areas and motorist should take precautions as heavy showers may cause flooding.
Hazardous seas are expected during the next 48 hours with waves peaking near 10 to 14 feet .Consequently a small craft warning is in effect for St. Maarten. Small craft operators and property owners near the coast are advised to take steps to protect life and property.

STATE OF THE SEA: Rough to very rough          WAVES/SWELLS: 10 to 14 feet

SPECIAL FEATURE:  
At 11 am the strong tropical wave located just east of the region was upgraded to Tropical Storm Matthew. This system is about 314 miles south southeast of St. Maarten and is moving  toward the west near 21 mph with maximum sustained winds of 60 mph. On this forecast track, the center of Matthew will move through the Windward Islands during the next few hours and into this evening.

An increase in wind speed, cloudiness, showers and possible thunderstorm activity along with a strong winds and hazardous sea conditions are expected across the local area. 

The Meteorological Department of St. Maarten will continue to monitor this system.

OUTLOOK through Friday midday: At first, generally cloudy and windy with scattered showers, some of which could be heavy with isolated thunderstorms. (Flooding in low lying areas may be possible). Then a gradual improvement from later Thursday into Friday.

FORECASTER:  Gordon

The next weather forecast will be issued today at 18:00 LST (22:00 UTC).

For further information visit our website: www.meteosxm.com.

3-DAY FORECAST DAY Wednesday Thursday Friday WEATHER Cloudy/ Overcast
Scattered Showers
Isol. thunder Cloudy/Overcast, Windy with Scat. Showers, Poss. Isol.      
      Thunderstorms Partly Cloudy & Breezy HIGH TEMP 30^oC / 86^oF 28^oC / 82^oF 31^oC / 88^oF LOW TEMP 28^oC / 82^oF 24^oC / 75^oF 27^oC / 81^oF SUNRISE 06:02 AM 06:03 AM 06:03 AM SUNSET 06:03 PM 06:02 PM 06:01 PM

 
Source: Daily Herald PUBLIC WEATHER FORECAST FOR ST. MAARTEN WED 28 NOON