Tropics: Eye on the Caribbean This Week
"Regardless of whether the low strengthens..., flooding downpours will remain a threat along its path."
The 2011 Atlantic Hurricane Season officially starts on Wednesday and it is possible that the tropics will turn active immediately in the Caribbean.
The latest computer models continue to indicate the formation of an area of low pressure in the southwestern or central Caribbean within the next few days.
The warmer-than-normal waters of the Caribbean could eventually allow this low to develop into a more organized tropical system.
The potential for a tropical depression or an even stronger system to take shape will also increase during the upcoming days as wind shear (strong winds high in the atmosphere) weakens.
Wind shear is currently too powerful and disruptive for the formation of any tropical system.
It is premature to say exactly where the tropical system will head if indeed development occurs.
The system may get steered northeastward in the direction of Jamaica, Hispaniola or eastern Cuba. Another scenario is that the system drifts into the northwestern Caribbean.
With uncertainty, all residents and visitors across the Caribbean should check back with AccuWeather.com and monitor the progress of the low.
Regardless of whether the low strengthens into a tropical depression or named storm, flooding downpours will remain a threat along its path.
If the low eventually becomes a tropical storm, it would acquire the name "Arlene."
More Weather News
-
Memorial Day Weekend Heat Wave
May 23, 2012; 7:48 PM ET
Break out the fans and air conditioners and get the pools ready as a heat wave is poised for portions of the Midwest and mid-Atlantic this Memorial Day weekend.
-
Severe Storm Threat Wisconsin to Nebraska
May 23, 2012; 7:47 PM ET
Locally damaging storms will shift farther to the east and south in the Midwest into tonight.
-
.jpg)
Southwest Winds Elevate Fire Risk, Threaten Blowing Dust
May 23, 2012; 7:46 PM ET
High winds will slam portions of California and the Desert Southwest late this week, bringing the already high fire threat to extreme levels and ushering in cooler air.
-
Bud to Strengthen into a Hurricane in the Eastern Pacific
May 23, 2012; 7:45 PM ET
Bud may become the first hurricane of the season in the eastern Pacific, brushing the central Mexico coast with rain as it passes by.
-
Big Storms from Carolinas to the Delmarva
May 23, 2012; 7:43 PM ET
As a disturbance rolls slowly northeastward, thunderstorms from portions of the Carolinas to the Delmarva can be especially nasty into this evening.
-
Chile Drought May Be Dented by Rainstorm
May 23, 2012; 7:40 PM ET
A major rainstorm may be in the offing for drought-hit central and mid-southern Chile, including the nation's biggest population centers.
-
Everest Death Toll 4 from Weekend Rush
May 23, 2012; 7:38 PM ET
Another Everest climber was found dead this morning, bringing the weekend death toll to four, with one climber still missing.
-
India Heat Wave as Monsoon Eagerly Awaited
May 23, 2012; 7:35 PM ET
Sweltering heat, the hottest of 2012 in some areas, has spread discomfort across the Indian subcontinent, spurring anticipation of the coming rainy season
-
Still Rebuilding One Year After The Joplin, Mo., Tornado
May 23, 2012; 7:33 PM ET
-
East Daily Downpours This Week
May 23, 2012; 7:32 PM ET
A stalled weather pattern will bring a daily dose of disruptive downpours from portions of Florida to New England.
Daily U.S. Extremes
past 24 hours
| Extreme | Location | |
|---|---|---|
| High | 107° | Death Valley, CA |
| Low | 28° | Daniel, WY |
| Precip | 2.39" | Alexandria, MN |
WeatherWhys®
People need to pay close attention to the UV index during this time of year. On a sunny day late in the spring and into the summer, the UV is usually at least an 8, which is very high. Readings over 11 are considered extreme values in which only 10 minutes of full exposure to the sun will produce a sunburn.
This Day In Weather History
New Hampshire (1814)
A tornado crossed Merrimac, Litchfield, Londonderry and North Chester. The same storm produced hailstones that had an 11-inch circumference and weighed 1/2 pound.
Northeast (1989)
More rain in an already wet month. Monthly totals topped 11 inches at New York City, 9 inches at Bridgeport, Conn., and 8 inches at Baltimore (all three totals set records for May).
Rough Weather
.jpg)
Comments
Comments left here should adhere to the AccuWeather.com Community Guidelines. Profanity, personal attacks, and spam will not be tolerated.