BMS announces small craft advisory effect in Barbados

Barbados Meteorological Services (BMS) announced a small craft advisory effect in Barbados. It is to be noted that a small-craft advisory is issued when sustained winds of 20 to 25 knots and sea swells of 2.5 to 3.0 metres reduce visibility (less than 10 km and greater than 5 km).

– Sustained winds of 20 to 25 knots

– Sea swells of 2.5 – 3.0 m

– Reduced visibility of less than 10 km

Hazard Information

As per BMS, such conditions could affect the marine area within the next 48 hours. The combination of a strong Atlantic high-pressure system and a low-pressure system in the northern Atlantic is forecasted to tighten the pressure slope over the next few days.

Moreover, model guidance suggests that sustained surface wind speeds of 20 to 25 knots are possible starting January 22, 2024, with wind speeds expected to increase thereafter.

Additionally, waves exceeding 3.0 m in height are possible in open waters starting Wednesday and may result in the issuance of small craft warnings and high surf advisories.

Key takeaways

It is to be added in the remarks of BMS, that small craft operators should be prepared for the following possibilities in the open water.

– Large open water swells can be hazardous to some vessels.

– Operation of smaller vessels can be difficult at times due to large swells.

– Possible tumbling and rolling of unsecured objects.

Weather update, January 21, 2024

The people of Barbados may experience an early morning shower. However, the weather might become sunny later in the day.

It is to be noted that the Atlantic high-pressure system is the dominant feature across the island.

Winds Forecast: According to BMS, a fresh easterly breeze at around 25 km/h (22 mph) is forecasted within the region.

Marine Forecast: The seas may remain moderate in open water with swells ranging from 2.0 to 2.5 meters, which is equal to 7 to 8 ft and could be increasing.

Notably, the meteorological services of Barbados have put the ‘Alert’ in the marine region.