One of four tropical waves heading toward the Caribbean on Sunday could develop into a tropical depression, according to a local meteorologist.
Knight Quality Stations meteorologist Alan Archer said Sunday that the wave, about 2,000 miles east of the Virgin Islands and containing a low-pressure center, “could slowly strengthen, but it would have to retain its present characteristics as it continues moving west at 10 to 15 miles an hour. It would not be before Wednesday or Thursday that it would move into waters which would promote development."
Archer said the wave probably has not developed any significant thunderstorm activity because it remains over relatively cool waters. On Sunday, it was located at 14 north latitude, 31 west longitude.
Three other lesser waves are located along 42 west, 65 west and 78 west.
"The wave at 65 west brought a few scattered showers to portions of the U.S. and British Virgin Islands early Sunday morning," Archer said, noting that Vieques and Culebra also received some showers. The other two waves are ill-defined and are moving off to the west at 10-15 miles per hour.
With high pressure in control of the local weather regime, partly cloudy skies are expected across the region through Tuesday with daily high temperatures in the upper 80s and overnight lows in the upper 70s. "Through mid-week we run about a 30 percent chance of showers at any time from the east," Archer said.
The marine forecast calls for easterly winds at 15 knots with seas averaging 4 to 6 feet Sunday.
Archer's forecast can be heard at 774-4786. Clicking on the rainbow at the top of the Source menu will also provide a full forecast from Weather Underground.
