BMS: Small Craft Warning downgrades to Advisory

Barbados Meteorological Services (BMS) shared that the Small Craft Warning has been downgraded to an advisory. The Atlantic high-pressure system generated strong winds across the region, resulting in increased wave heights, mainly along the northern and eastern coasts. 

The seas are forecasted to remain moderate to rough in open waters with swells ranging from 2.0 to 3.0 meters, which is equal to 7 to 10 ft and could be increasing. However, the Marines are still on alert. 

Following are the conditions are expected during the alert, 

– Sea swells greater than 3 meters

– Reduced visibility of less than 5 km

– Sustained winds of 25 to 33 knots

Moreover, sea-bathers are advised to avoid going into the water. Only vessels capable of withstanding these swell magnitudes should venture into these waters. 

It is to be noted that the reduction in wind speed today will result in a slight improvement in sea conditions, with wave heights reaching close to 3.0 metres today, 26 January 2024 and tomorrow. 

According to BMS, the Small Craft Warning has, therefore, been changed to a Small Craft Advisory. 

Moreover, the weather reports indicated that the people of Barbados may experience a mix of sunshine and clouds with a few brief scattered light showers. 

The Atlantic high-pressure system is the dominant feature across the island. 

Winds Forecast: As per weather reports, the fresh easterly to easterly north easterly breeze could be experienced from 35 to 45 km/hour, equal to 22 to 28 mph across Barbados. 

Notably, there is no significant dust haze reported across the region. 

Initially, winds were expected to increase. Therefore, this advisory has been upgraded to a SMALL CRAFT WARNING AND HIGH SURF ADVISORY in the last few days.

Key messages

– Possible tumbling and rolling if unsecured objects
– Large open water swells can be hazardous to some vessels
– Operation of smaller vessels can be difficult at times due to large swells