Tropical Disturbance heads for Windwards, but locals hope that Antigua and Barbuda will get some rain

Forecasters are monitoring a tropical wave, now named Disturbance AL9, which is located over the eastern tropical Atlantic and producing a large area of disorganized showers and thunderstorms.

They say that environmental conditions appear conducive for development of this system over the next few days.

“A tropical depression could form during the early to middle part of next week while it moves westward at around 15 mph … and approaches the Windward Islands,” forecasters say.

They add that the system now has a 60 percent chance of becoming a Tropical Cyclone and will affect the Caribbean by Tuesday, June 28, or Wednesday, June 29.

It is not expected to impact Antigua and Barbuda directly on its current path; however, residents are hoping that, once it reaches the Caribbean, it will bring much-needed showers to help alleviate the drought conditions.

While storms do not usually impact Antigua and Barbuda before September, the Cabinet is expected to meet next Wednesday, June 29, with the Acting Head of the National Office of Disaster Service (NODS).

The Executive reportedly wants to ensure that preparations for hurricanes and other natural disasters are sufficient.

The 2022 Hurricane Season runs from June 1 to November 30 and forecasters have predicted a more-active-than-usual season.