Tropical Wave Approaching Region to Bring Increased
Forecasters with the Department of Disaster Management report that a tropical wave near the Virgin Islands is expected to heighten cloudiness and bring passing showers over the next 24 hours. Residents and motorists are advised to exercise caution on wet roads and carry rain gear as marine conditions calm overnight to between 2 and 3 feet.
Following a warm and breezy day across the British Virgin Islands, forecasters at the Department of Disaster Management are closely monitoring a tropical wave in the vicinity of the Territory that is expected to increase cloudiness and shower activity over the next 24 hours. Earlier in the day, daytime temperatures climbed to around 90 degrees Fahrenheit (32 degrees Celsius), prompting heat precautions as steady easterly winds generated choppier seas up to 5 feet.
However, the latest evening forecasts indicate that marine conditions and wind speeds have begun to ease as the tropical wave approaches. Heading into tonight, skies across Tortola, Virgin Gorda, Anegada, Jost Van Dyke, and surrounding cays will become partly cloudy to cloudy. Forecasters have issued a 40 percent chance of showers, noting that rain activity is most likely to develop later tonight and potentially extend past midnight.
Overnight low temperatures are projected to settle near 81 degrees Fahrenheit (27 degrees Celsius). Marine conditions are also subsiding into the evening, with winds shifting to the east-southeast at 9 to 15 miles per hour (14 to 24 km/h). Ocean seas are expected to rest between 2 and 3 feet (0.6 to 0.9 meters).
While rough sea conditions have lessened compared to earlier in the day, boaters and marine users are urged to remain vigilant, as localized showers and increasing cloud cover could cause brief periods of reduced visibility across regional waters. Looking ahead to tomorrow, cloudy skies will continue across the archipelago alongside a lingering 40 percent chance of showers, primarily during the morning hours.
Sunrise across the Territory is scheduled for 6:04 a.m. In light of the incoming tropical wave and anticipated rainfall, disaster management officials advise residents to keep an umbrella or rain jacket handy if heading outdoors overnight or early tomorrow. Motorists are also urged to drive carefully on wet roadways, as sudden downpours can quickly make surfaces slick and impair driving visibility.
Primary source: BVI Disaster Management