Latest Update on Tropical Weather Happenings in the Atlantic

Frequent downpours and gusty thunderstorm activity could impact the northeastern Caribbean this week as the tropical weather season heats up in the Atlantic. Here is the latest update on what is happening in the tropical Atlantic.

Northeastern Caribbean Under Gun for Tropical Moisture

A zone of torrential rain and thunderstorms is predicted to push across the northeastern portion of the Caribbean by the middle to end of this week. This is happening as the Atlantic becomes a hotbed of tropical activity.

As of the late Sunday forecast model runs, a large swath of dry air and disruptive wind shear was working to put a lid on the development of a budding tropical rainstorm spinning about halfway between the U.S. and Africa. The surge of dry air is disrupting the natural intensification of the rainstorm. There is a chance that the storm may break up completely before reaching the Caribbean.

This cluster of rain showers and thunderstorms is struggling to find more life as the patch of moisture is falling farther behind. The area of moisture is not wrapping up within the center of energy of the storm due to the poor organization of the system. This is the same disturbance that forecasters had thought could strengthen into a tropical storm or hurricane last week.

While it is not likely that the feature will take on defined tropical characteristics, the Leeward Islands and the northern edge of the Windward Islands are still forecast to see an increase in rain and storm activity in the days ahead. The rainfall may be heavy enough to create flash flooding concerns.

Widespread rainfall amounts of 1 to 2 inches are likely in the area from the Leeward Islands to Puerto Rico. The heaviest rain bands are forecast to set up in areas where clusters of storms converge. The higher terrains of Puerto Rico could also see locally higher amounts of precipitation.