Director of Jamaica's Meteorological Service and Permanent Representative of Jamaica to the WMO, Evan Thompson, was unanimously elected as Chairman of the Nomination Committee at the 19th World Meteorological Congress currently being held in Geneva, Switzerland.
@meg
Images sent to us of massive cumulonimbus (thunderstorm) cloud over Kingston and St. Andrew this afternoon with dramatic shelf cloud leading edge. Scary and amazing.
Excellent catch ๐(please tag the owner).
Hurricane Elsa continues to weaken while moving closer to southern Haiti. On this basis and with Elsa's rapid movement and slight shift in its forecast path, it is likely that the Hurricane Warning for Jamaica will be downgraded to a TROPICAL STORM WARNING in the next Bulletin.
A Flash Flood WARNING is now in effect for flood-prone areas of St. Mary, Portland, St. Thomas, Kingston, St. Andrew, St. Catherine and Clarendon.
Also, a Flash Flood WATCH is effective for similar areas of Manchester, St. Elizabeth and Westmoreland.
It is important that we properly interpret graphics concerning tropical systems that are threats. In the displayed cone, the white area DOES NOT show the extent of storm conditions but instead indicates the possible range of positions in which the centre could be located.
A well-advertised model had projected that the next tropical cyclone, Epsilon, would have threatened Jamaica this week; however, Tropical Storm Epsilon formed instead over the North Atlantic today while a Trough is now well west of Jamaica and poses no threat.
A Tropical Wave moving across Jamaica today will develop into a broad area of low pressure southwest of the island on Thursday and linger through to early Saturday. Expect an increase in showers, thunderstorms, and strong gusty winds during this period.
BREAKING NEWS: With immediate effect, the Tropical Storm Watch for Jamaica is upgraded to a Tropical Storm WARNING. This means that tropical storm conditions, including possible sustained winds of 63-118 km/h are expected to affect Jamaica in 36 hours or less.
Due to the heavy rains being produced over Jamaica by the Tropical Wave, a Flash Flood Warning is now in effect for low-lying and flood-prone areas of central and eastern parishes. Flash flooding has been observed.
Preliminary analysis suggests that all parishes in Jamaica have recovered from drought conditions. Most notable improvements were seen in Trelawny, Westmoreland, Portland and St Ann.
A Cold Front is expected to move into the vicinity of Jamaica, producing cooler temperatures on Monday and Tuesday, especially in northern parishes. Periods of showers will affect most parishes on Monday afternoon, becoming isolated in the north and east on Tuesday afternoon.
Outer bands from Tropical Storm Zeta, over the northwestern Caribbean Sea, are contributing to the rainfall over Jamaica. The storm is forecast to be moving away from the island, across the Yucatan Peninsula and into the Gulf of Mexico over the next few days.
The TROPICAL STORM WARNING for Jamaica has been discontinued as Tropical Storm Elsa continues to move farther away. This means that the threat of tropical storm conditions no longer exists for the island.
@MHureccjm
Be advised that, although the projections seem to suggest a direct hit by Tropical Storm Beryl on Jamaica sometime on Wednesday next week, the cone actually is indicating that the centre could also pass over 150 miles away from our coastlines. In any case, prepare for the worst.
Although tropical storm conditions are no longer expected across Jamaica, Ian's outer bands are still expected to produce moderate to heavy rainfall and thunderstorms across the island, and especially southern and northeastern parishes today through to Tuesday.
@megjc_jm
@odpem
Bulletin
#1
has been issued due to the possible threat of severe weather to Jamaica from a tropical system this weekend. Fishers, in particular, are urged to prepare for evacuation of the cays and banks.
@megjc_jm
@odpem
The GOJ will issue a Hurricane Watch for the island at 10:00 this morning. This means that conditions associated with a hurricane are possible within 48 hours.
Hurricane Beryl has now entered the eastern Caribbean and Jamaica is at threat of impact on Wednesday, this week.
Beryl is now a Category 1 hurricane and is expected to be a major hurricane (Cat 3) by the time it enters the Caribbean on Monday. With the hurricane still aiming at the Jamaica area by the middle of next week, fishers should prepare for possible evacuation of cays and banks.
A HURRICANE WARNING is now in effect for Jamaica as Hurricane Elsa continues its slow strengthening while approaching the central Caribbean. This means that dangerous effects of a hurricane are expected to affect Jamaica in 36 hours or less.
October 1 marks the first day of the penultimate month of the Hurricane Season. It also takes us to the peak of what is known as the period during which Jamaica receives its highest accumulation of rainfall. Stay alert as these hazards remain major threats.
The Cold Front, now east of Jamaica, is expected to remain stationary tonight, then dissipate on Friday. Cool, windy conditions are expected through Thursday with periods of mainly night-time showers across northern and southeastern parishes over the next few days.
Hurricane Elsa has weakened a bit; however, it is not expected to be sustained. The Hurricane Warning remains in force for Jamaica as strengthening is expected to resume on Saturday while the hurricane moves closer to the island.
@MHureccjm
Jamaica should start to see an improvement in weather conditions with a reduction in rainfall by Tuesday. A tropical wave could, however, bring more instability to the Central Caribbean by the end of the week.
Residents in Jamaica are observing a halo phenomenon formed around the sun this morning. The halo is produced by the reflection of the sun's rays on a thin layer of ice in high-level cirrostratus clouds. This does not imply significant weather activity to be expected.
@megjc_jm
MetserviceJA is not only aware of the tropical disturbances over the Atlantic and Western Caribbean, but continues to monitor them closely as they develop. Future threats to Jamaica are possible, and you will be kept informed. We're on it!
Tropical Depression
#9
has now formed over the Caribbean Sea and is a threat to interests in Jamaica. Continue to pay attention to Bulletins from the Meteorological Service.
@megjc_jm
@odpem
Showers are expected to continue across Jamaica this evening and into the night, even as the centre of Tropical Storm Grace starts to move away from the island. Outer bands continue to supply moisture to the system.
@MHureccjm
Remember that a FLASH FLOOD WARNING remains in effect for all parishes of Jamaica until 5pm on Friday. Weather conditions are expected to return to near normal by Saturday.
Tropical Depression Grace is now forecast to move close to Jamaica on Tuesday and Bulletins are being issued due to the increased threat. Associated rainfall should start to affect the island by Monday night before Grace passes to the north.
@MHureccjm
@odpem
As expected, Jamaica is caught under the outer band of heavy rainfall associated with tropical cyclone Eta, moving towards Cuba. The Flash Flood Warning remains in effect for northwestern and southern parishes of the country.
The chance of flash flooding across Jamaica has increased considerably with the latest projections of the movement of Tropical Storm Laura near to Cuba's southern coastline. Eastern and southern parishes are at greatest risk tonight and tomorrow.
Now being referred to as a Potential Tropical Cyclone, the disturbance over the southern Caribbean Sea has been hugging the South American coast and should stay well south of Jamaica. It poses no threat to the island.
A Tropical Wave is expected to be close to Jamaica on Tuesday afternoon bringing an increase in rainfall from Tuesday afternoon through to Friday.
Showers and thunderstorms will affect most parishes, mostly in the afternoons, and especially across eastern parishes.
@odpem
From tropical wave to tropical depression and now tropical storm, all in a day, Tropical Storm Ida formed this afternoon 160km (100 miles) west-southwest of Negril Point. Although beginning to move away, it will continue to produce rainfall over Jamaica into Friday.
@MHureccjm
Category 2 Hurricane Delta is, indeed, moving away from Jamaica; however, the instability remains over the region. Outbreaks of heavy showers will continue today, lessening gradually to the end of the week.
Friends, please ensure that every caution is taken in dealing with downpours of rainfall being experienced in sections of the island at this time. Take no chances in navigating flooded paths for your own safety. Flash Flood warning remains in effect in S'rn and NE'rn parishes.
We went old school plotting to show some facts on the Isaac vs Gilbert Track hot topic/hysteria.
Doesn't look the same to us. What do you think?
Remember not all messages are worth forwarding. Stay informed from credible sources. When in doubt, check it out, don't send it out.
A Cold Front is projected to move across Jamaica this weekend and impact weather conditions over Jamaica this evening through Monday with showers and possible thunderstorms over sections of the island, and cooler, windier conditions through next week.
Weather conditions over Jamaica are currently being impacted by heavy showers and thunderstorms associated with Tropical Storm Elsa. Rainfall will continue to spread across most parishes this morning as the centre of the tropical storm remains close to the island.
@MHureccjm
Conditions continue to develop with the area of disturbed weather now over the central Caribbean Sea and it is possible that a tropical storm could form south of Jamaica within the next 24-36 hours. Residents should, therefore, pay special attention to subsequent Releases.
Tropical Storm Sam is the latest to make an appearance in the tropical Atlantic. The forecast has Sam strengthening into a hurricane well east of the Lesser Antilles and staying outside of the northeast Caribbean as a major hurricane next week. No threat to Jamaica.
@MHureccjm
#HurricaneBeryl
#Update
Bulletin
#6
: The Hurricane Watch for Jamaica has been upgraded to a Hurricane Warning as Category 4 Hurricane Beryl continues to move over the eastern Caribbean on a track towards the island.
Historic Tropical Storm Eta has now formed over the central Caribbean Sea, 435 kilometres southeast of Kingston. The Tropical Storm is not a direct threat to Jamaica but will increase rainfall over the island while passing to the south.
A Cold Front is expected to move across Jamaica today and linger into Saturday. Expect today to be mostly cloudy,windy and cool with intermittent showers mainly across northern and southeastern parishes.
A Tropical Storm Watch has now been issued for Jamaica as the island prepares for possible impact from Tropical Storm Elsa. Tropical Storm Watch means that tropical storm conditions pose a possible threat to Jamaica within 48 hours.
A Severe Weather Alert is now in effect due to the expected impact of an active Tropical Wave due to pass south of Jamaica on Tuesday. Increased rainfall, thunderstorms and gusty winds are predicted.
๐จ Major
#HurricaneBeryl
Approaching the Southeastern Caribbean โ
#HurricaneWatch
in Effect for Jamaica ๐จ
๐ Key Points:
- Eye located at latitude 13.2ยฐN, longitude 63.2ยฐW
- Winds at 240 km/h (150 mph)
Stay tuned ro
#MetServiceJa
and
#ODPEM
for updates. Next bulletin @ 8:00p.m
Most guidance suggests that the disturbed weather approaching the Caribbean with potential for development will remain a strong tropical wave or tropical storm passing just south of Jamaica. It is, however, likely to become a threat so continue to monitor closely.
Increased rainfall is forecast for Jamaica over the next two days. A Tropical Wave is expected to slowly move westward across the island on Wednesday and Thursday, resulting in unstable weather conditions during this period.
@MHureccjm
@odpem
Forecasters at our National Meteorological Centre are predicting that rainfall could increase over much of Jamaica going into the weekend, starting on Thursday. A Trough is expected to bear the good news.
A slightly weaker Hurricane Elsa continues to race westward through the central Caribbean, moving closer to the south coast of Hispaniola and Jamaica. The Hurricane Warning remains in effect for Jamaica at 5am on Saturday.
(Photo courtesy of NOAA)
@MHureccjm
Jamaica has now issued a Tropical Storm Watch for all residents, which means that tropical storm conditions pose a possible threat to the country within 48 hours.
@megjc_jm
@odpem
The National Meteorological Centre advises that a Trough will remain across Jamaica over the next few days, influencing unstable weather conditions through to the end of the week.
Additionally, a Tropical Wave is expected to move within the vicinity of the island by tomorrow.
#hurricaneberyl
Bulletin 19
*** EYEWALL OF BERYL SKIRTING JAMAICAโS SOUTH COAST AS IMPACTS CONTINUE ACROSS THE ISLAND
โฆ HURRICANE WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT ***
The disturbance over the Caribbean Sea is still being called a potential tropical cyclone as it begins to pass south of Jamaica. It could, however, become a Tropical Storm later today. See Bulletin attached.
@megjc_jm
@odpem
Reports indicate that rainfall over Jamaica has been minimal so far (at 5:00 a.m.) as Tropical Storm Elsa appears to be re-organizing close to the island's east coast.
@MHureccjm
A weak Cold Front is expected to move into the vicinity of Jamaica this weekend. After passing over the island it is expected to stall and slowly dissipate by Monday. Look for cloudiness with showers and thunderstorms mainly over northern parishes through Sunday.
A Flash Flood Watch is now in effect for low-lying and flood prone areas of St Mary, Portland, St Thomas, Kingston, St Andrew, and St Catherine until 5:00 p.m. on Wednesday. Details attached.
A Flash Flood Watch is now in effect in Jamaica for all parishes until 8:00 a.m. on Friday. This means that flash flooding is possible. Residents should take precautionary measures, keep informed and be ready for quick action if flooding is observed or if a Warning is issued.
All eyes are currently on a 'plume' of Sahara dust that has been catapulted from Western Africa into the Caribbean basin. Evan Thompson, Director of Jamaica's Meteorological Service tells us more.
An active Cold Front will impact
the weather over Jamaica starting on Monday morning. Expect strong winds to affect the island on Monday and Tuesday. Lower temperatures are forecast for most of the week, along with showers and isolated thunderstorms over sections of the island.
JAMAICA 24-HOUR FORECAST
Sunday Night... ย Showers and thunderstorms, especially across southern and northeastern parishes.ย
Monday Morning/Afternoon... Periods of showers and thunderstorms with occasional strong gusty winds across sections of most parishes.
We are monitoring info going around about a model projection of Major Hurricane Epsilon approaching Jamaica from the south next week. Note that this is a possible development being predicted but right now the region is relatively quiet.
#juststayprepared
.
Flash Flood WARNING now in effect for low-lying and flood-prone areas of southern and northeastern parishes...Westmoreland, St Elizabeth, Manchester, Clarendon, St Catherine, Kingston, St Andrew, St Thomas, Portland and St Mary. The Flash Flood WATCH remains in effect elsewhere.
WE MADE IT! The 2021 Atlantic Hurricane Season has now officially ended, after producing a total of 21 named storms, four of which entered the Caribbean Basin. One system (Tropical Storm Grace) made a direct hit on Jamaica on August 17.
@MHureccjm
@odpem
The Meteorological Service has issued a Flash Flood Warning for low-lying and flood-prone areas of all parishes effective
until 5 p.m. today (Wednesday).
This means that flooding has been reported or will occur shortly.
Major Hurricane Fiona has begun to move north from the Turks & Caicos Islands and attention in Jamaica has turned to disturbed weather east of the Windward Islands. There is a chance of development as it moves towards the Caribbean so all interests should monitor closely.
A Flash Flood Warning is again in effect for low-lying and flood-prone areas of eastern and central parihes of Jamaica until 5pm on Saturday as a Trough generates unstable weather over the island and the central Caribbean.
Forecasters at our National Meteorological Centre have indicated that the country should experience more rainfall in coming days due to unstable weather over the western Caribbean. This will provide welcome relief to drought-weary residents across the island.
@megjc_jm
The Tropical Wave moving over the southern Caribbean still shows high potential for development. The Severe Weather Alert remains in effect for Jamaica.