Residents of St. Vincent and the Grenadines should prepare for a combination of scattered showers and hazy skies over the next 72 hours as consecutive tropical waves and a plume of Saharan dust move across the region.
The weather pattern will become more active starting Wednesday, June 17th, when a tropical wave is expected to pass within the vicinity of the islands. This system will bring cloudy and breezy conditions with an increased chance of scattered showers. A second tropical wave will follow closely behind on Thursday, June 18th, bringing similar wet conditions that will linger into Friday.
In addition to the rain, authorities are warning the public about an incoming decline in air quality. The St. Vincent and the Grenadines Meteorological Service has issued a “Be Alert” Weather Advisory regarding Saharan dust haze. The dust concentrations are expected to cross the islands on Thursday, significantly reducing both air quality and visibility. These hazy conditions are forecast to persist through Friday.
Marine conditions are also expected to deteriorate as the week progresses. Moderate to fresh easterly and east-north-easterly trade winds, currently blowing at 20 to 30 km/h, will see a slight increase to around 35 km/h beginning Thursday. This increase in wind will agitate the seas, which are currently slight to moderate.
By Thursday, sea swells are projected to peak near 1.5 meters (5 feet) on the western coasts and up to 2.0 meters (7 feet) on the eastern coasts. Consequently, a Marine Advisory urging individuals to “exercise caution” has been issued for Wednesday through Friday. Small craft operators and sea bathers are specifically advised to remain alert for these above-normal sea swells.