Weather
Forecast for the Bahamas and the Turks & Caicos Islands from 30th April to 05th May 2019
#Nassau, April 30, 2019 – Bahamas –S
General Situation: A surface trough along with a mid to upper level trough across the Central Bahamas continues to trigger unsettled weather across the entire Bahamas with some severe weather occurring at times through Thursday. The mid to upper level trough will shift across the NW Bahamas and weaken on Thursday as it completely dissipates by Friday. Meanwhile building high pressure ridge north of the Bahamas will produce moderate to strong breezes over the area through Thursday, then it will weaken and shift eastwards through Sunday.M
Tuesday 30th – Partly sunny, windy and warm with few lingering showers or possible isolated thunderstorm NW Bahamas during the daytime, turning mainly fair and warm at night time. Variable cloudiness and windy with scattered showers and widely scattered thunderstorms across the Central and SE Bahamas and the Turks and Caicos Islands through nightfall. Maximum temperature 83°F and a minimum temperature 73°F. Small craft advisory continues across the entire Bahamas. Winds E’ly at 15 to 25 knots overall areas. Seas 5 to 8 feet overall areas but higher in moderate N’ly to NE’ly swells across the Bahamas.
Wednesday 01st – Partly cloudy, breezy to windy and warm with the chance of isolated showers in the NW Bahamas during the daytime, turning partly cloudy to fair and warm at night with the slight chance of a shower. In the Central and SE Bahamas and the Turks and Caicos Islands cloudy to occasionally overcast and windy with scattered showers and widely scattered thunderstorms, some becoming heavy to severe at times during the daytime through nightfall. Maximum temperature 83°F and a minimum temperature 74°F. Small craft advisory across the entire Bahamas becomes a caution across the Central and SE Bahamas
and the Turks and Caicos Islands later. Winds E to SE at 15 to 25 knots across the entire Bahamas early but decreasing to 10 to 15 knots in the NW Bahamas later and dropping to 15 to 20 knots in the Central and SE Bahamas and the Turks and Caicos Islands later. Seas 5 to 8 feet across the entire Bahamas early, falling to 4 to 7 feet later in the Central and SE Bahamas and the Turks and Caicos Islands later and 3 to 5 feet in the NW Bahamas. Light to moderate NE’ly to E’ly swells overall areas.
Thursday 02nd – Variable cloudiness, warm and humid with some scattered showers and isolated thunderstorms during the daytime through nightfall. Maximum temperature 86°F and a minimum temperature 74°F. Small craft advisory across the NW and SE Bahamas early becomes a caution across the Central and SE Bahamas and the Turks and Caicos Islands later. Winds E to SE at 15 to 25 knots in the NW and SE Bahamas early but decreasing to 12 to 18 knots in the NW Bahamas as winds become 15 to 20 knots in the Central and SE Bahamas and the Turks and Caicos Islands later. Seas 5 to 8 feet over NW and SE Bahamas, falling to 3 to 5 feet in the NW Bahamas later and 4 to 6 feet in the Central and SE Bahamas and the Turks and Caicos Islands with light to moderate E’ly swells across the Bahamas.
Friday 03rd – Variable cloudiness, very warm and humid with scattered showers and widely scattered thunderstorms mainly across the NW and Central Bahamas, generally clearing across the Central and SE Bahamas
and the Turks and Caicos Islands through nightfall. Maximum temperature 88°F and a minimum temperature 75°F. Small craft should exercise caution in the Central and SE Bahamas. Winds SE’ly at 10 to 15 knots in the NW Bahamas and E to SE at 15 to 20 knots in the Central and SE Bahamas and the Turks and Caicos Islands. Seas 2 to 4 feet over the NW Bahamas and 4 to 6 feet in the Central and SE Bahamas and the Turks and Caicos Islands but higher in moderate NE’ly to E’ly swell across the Bahamas.
Saturday 04th – Mostly cloudy to overcast, very warm and humid with lingering showers or possible isolated thunderstorms mainly across the NW Bahamas during the daytime. Turning fair and warm at night. Maximum temperature 88°F and a minimum temperature 75°F. Small craft should exercise caution across the Central and SE Bahamas and the Turks and Caicos Islands but decreasing across the Central Bahamas by afternoon. Winds SE to S at 10 to 15 knots in the NW Bahamas, falling light and variable at times and E to SE at 15 to 20 knots in the Central and SE Bahamas and the Turks and Caicos Islands, falling to 10 to 15 knots in the Central Bahamas later. Seas 2 to 4 feet in the NW Bahamas, falling light and variable at times and 4 to 6 feet in the Central and SE Bahamas and the Turks and Caicos Islands becoming 2 to 4 feet in the Central Bahamas later. Lingering E’ly to SE’ly swells across the entire Bahamas.
Sunday 05th – Partly sunny, very warm and humid with the chance of few isolated showers in the NW and Central Bahamas during the daytime, turning partly cloudy to fair and warm at night time. Partly cloudy to cloudy and very warm with the chance of passing showers during the daytime through nightfall. Maximum temperature 89°F and a minimum temperature 75°F. Small craft should exercise caution in the SE Bahamas and the Turks and Caicos Islands early. Winds ESE to SSE at 10 to 15 knots in the NW and Central Bahamas, falling light and variable at times and E to SE at 15 to 20 knots in the SE Bahamas and the Turks and Caicos Islands, decreasing to 10 to 15 knots later. Seas 2 to 4 feet over the NW and Central Bahamas and 4 to 6 feet in the SE Bahamas and the Turks and Caicos Islands , falling to 2 to 4 feet later.
Dissipating E’ly to SE’ly swells expected overall areas.
Beachgoers and mariners should be vigilant due to rough surf and the high risk of dangerous rip currents mainly along the north and east coast beaches during stated advisories. Mariners should exercise extreme caution for ocean swells and possible severe weather activity over parts of the Bahamas as stated.
Geoffrey Greene
A week of wind, water, and heartbreak
From Haiti’s hillsides to Bermuda’s reefs, seven Caribbean nations have been battered, bruised, and forever marked by Hurricane Melissa — a storm that tested not only the region’s infrastructure but its unshakable spirit of unity.
Saturday–Sunday, October 25–26 – The First Strike: Hispaniola
Before the storm even earned its name, torrential rain and flash floods swept across Haiti and the Dominican Republic, claiming lives and
tearing through rural communities.
In southern Haiti, rivers burst their banks, swallowing roads and homes; 23 people were confirmed dead by Sunday evening. Across the border, one death was reported in the Dominican Republic as swollen rivers cut off villages in Barahona and Pedernales.
By nightfall, the tropical system had strengthened — and the Caribbean knew it was facing something historic.
Monday, October 27 – Evacuations and Airlifts
In The Bahamas, Prime Minister Philip Davis issued a mandatory evacuation for the MICAL Islands — Mayaguana, Inagua, Crooked Island, Acklins, Long Cay, and Ragged Island.
Bahamasair added extra flights as the nation braced for what forecasters warned could become the strongest storm in nearly two decades.
Meanwhile, Jamaica, Turks & Caicos, and Cuba activated their national emergency operations centers.
Tuesday, October 28 – Jamaica and Haiti Hit Hard
By afternoon, Hurricane Melissa made landfall near St Elizabeth, Jamaica, as a Category 5 hurricane — winds of 185 mph, central pressure 892 mb, the lowest ever recorded so close to the island.
Roads collapsed, bridges washed away, and Black River Hospital lost its roof. Power failed for 72 percent of the island.
BOJ TV footage shows split asphalt, sparking lines, and flooded communities abandoned for safety.
Initially four were reported dead, that grew to seven deaths and heavy damage in 170 communities; Andrew Holness, Jamaican Prime Minister calling it “a national test of resilience.”
Haiti, still recovering from the weekend’s flooding, was hit again as outer bands dumped more rain on Les Cayes and Jacmel, deepening the humanitarian crisis.
Wednesday, October 29 – Crossing to Cuba
Weakened slightly to Category 4 (145 mph), Melissa tracked north-northeast at 8 mph, hammering eastern Cuba with hurricane-force winds
and mudslides. Over 15 000 people were evacuated from Santiago de Cuba and Holguín.
In Turks & Caicos, the Regiment deployed to Grand Turk, Salt Cay, South, North and Middle Caicos, preparing shelters and securing public buildings.
Thursday, October 30 – The Bahamas and the All Clear
Melissa’s speed increased, sparing the northern Caribbean its worst.
The Bahamas Airport Authority closed 13 airports from Mayaguana to Exuma International; none reported casualties, though infrastructure suffered.
In Turks & Caicos, the all-clear came early Thursday after minimal impact. Premier Washington Misick expressed gratitude and pledged support for neighbors:
“We must act — not only with words, but with compassion and deeds.”
Friday, October 31 – Counting the Cost
By Friday, Melissa had weakened to Category 3 (120 mph) north of Cuba.
The Bahamas Department of Meteorology issued its final alert, lifting warnings for the southern islands.
Regional toll:
- Haiti: 23 dead, thousands displaced.
- Jamaica: 7 dead, 170 communities damaged; 72% without electricity
- Cuba: 2 dead, 15, 000 evacuated.
- Dominican Republic: 1 dead, flooding in southwest.
- Bahamas: 0 dead, minor infrastructure damage and flooding in southeast.
- Turks & Caicos: minimal to no impact.
Relief and Reconnection
The Cayman Islands became the first government to touch down in Jamaica post-storm. Premier Juliana O’Connor-Connolly led a contingent bringing a plane-load of essentials and pledged US $1.2 million in aid.
Reggae icon Shaggy arrived on a private jet with friends, delivering food, medical kits, and hygiene supplies.
Meanwhile, Starlink and FLOW Jamaica activated emergency satellite internet across Jamaica providing free connectivity through November.
From overseas, U.S. President Donald Trump, speaking during his Asia tour, announced that American search-and-rescue teams and disaster aid will support the region.
“They can depend on U.S. assistance as they recover from this historic storm,” he said.
Faith, Funds, and False Websites
The Government of Jamaica and the Sandals Foundation have both launched verified donation portals for recovery. Officials are warning against fake crowdfunding pages posing as relief sites and urging donors to use only official channels.
A Seventh Nation in the Crosshairs – Bermuda
As Hurricane Melissa left the Caribbean basin, Bermuda found itself next in line.
Forecasts indicated the storm would pass just west of the island late Thursday into Friday, likely as a Category 1 to 2 hurricane with sustained winds near 105 mph.
Though far weaker than when it ravaged Jamaica, officials issued a hurricane warning, urging residents to secure property and expect tropical-storm conditions.
By all appearances Bermuda is heeding the warnings
The Human Response
Across the Caribbean, solidarity surged.
The Global Empowerment Mission (GEM) in Miami began airlifting relief supplies, while churches, civic groups, and businesses in The Bahamas and Turks & Caicos organized drives for displaced families.
“Your dedication gave our islands the strength to face the storm,” Premier Misick said. “Together, as one Caribbean family, we will rise stronger.”
Resilience in the Wake
Melissa’s winds may have faded, but her impact endures. Engineers are inspecting bridges, hillsides, and water systems; volunteers are clearing debris and distributing aid in communities still cut off.
From Haiti’s ravaged river valleys to Jamaica’s sugar towns, from Cuba’s eastern hills to The Bahamas’ salt ponds and Bermuda’s reefs, the region once again stands at the crossroads of ruin and renewal — and leans, as always, toward hope and a faithful God
Deandrea Hamilton | Editor
August 15, 2025 – At least nine people, including four children, were killed in flash flooding on the island of São Vicente, Cabo Verde, when the storm that
would become Hurricane Erin swept through the West African archipelago last week. Authorities there say another five remain missing and more than 1,500 residents were displaced after torrential rains inundated homes and swept vehicles from the streets.
Now a major hurricane over the Atlantic, Erin has moved past the Leeward Islands, the British Virgin Islands, and the U.S. Virgin Islands, where residents endured heavy rain, gusty winds, and rough seas over the weekend. The Antigua and Barbuda Meteorological Services has issued an official all clear for the Leeward and British Virgin Islands, though forecasters caution that flood watches, high surf, and rip current risks remain in place.
Damage assessments from the Virgin Islands are still under way, with reports of localized flooding, power outages, and disrupted transport. No fatalities have been reported in the Caribbean to date.
Attention has now shifted to the Turks and Caicos Islands, which are beginning to feel tropical storm conditions as Erin tracks northwest.
Heavy rainbands and gusty winds are expected to continue there into Monday, bringing the potential for flooding and coastal erosion.
Meanwhile, in The Bahamas, a Tropical Storm Watch has been issued, with forecasters warning of heavy rainfall, dangerous seas, and possible tropical-storm-force winds later this week. Travelers to both The Bahamas and Turks and Caicos are being urged to monitor advisories closely, check travel plans with airlines and hotels, and follow local safety instructions.
Caribbean News
Rain, Dust, and Rising Heat: Signs Point to a Wetter, Wavier August in TCI and The Bahamas
Deandrea Hamilton | Editor
August 1, 2025 – The Turks and Caicos Islands and The Bahamas are entering a pivotal weather phase as tropical moisture is expected to bring rain from Monday through Wednesday, signaling a shift in conditions despite no tropical cyclone currently affecting the region. Forecasters, including several YouTube weather analysts, have flagged this transition—not as a storm, but as a notable uptick in rainfall associated with atmospheric waves approaching the southwest Atlantic.
This change is arriving alongside a forecasted plume of Saharan dust, set to drift westward early next week. That dry, dusty air layer is notorious for reducing cloud cover, suppressing rainfall in the early season, and limiting tropical storm formation. When it arrives, skies will turn hazy, air quality may decline to moderate levels, and visibility will lower, even while thermometers remain elevated.
Meanwhile, long-range models from the U.S. Climate Prediction Center flag the Atlantic and eastern Gulf corridor from August 6–
12 as the first period this season with increased chances—albeit still low—of tropical development. Historically, August marks the escalation of hurricane formation, making the coming weeks especially important for vigilant monitoring. As of August 1, 2025, three named storms have already formed in the Atlantic: Alberto, Beryl, and Chris. The remaining names for the 2025 Atlantic hurricane season are: Debby, Ernesto, Florence, Gordon, Humberto, Idalia, Jose, Katia, Lee, Margot, Nigel, Ophelia, Pablo, Rebekah, Sebastien, Tanya, and Victor.
At present, no systems in the Pacific basin are forecasted to affect Puerto Rico, the Turks and Caicos Islands, or The Bahamas. The eastern Pacific remains active, but no cross-basin moisture or disturbances are expected to cross into our region.
In summary, residents should brace for a few days of elevated rain chances in early August, under skies tinged with dust and variable sunshine. While the Atlantic remains largely quiet today, a gradual shift toward wetter, more unstable weather is underway, and early to mid-August may well mark the true start of the season’s active phase. Stay tuned for updated alerts and official forecasts as conditions evolve.
Photo Caption: MrWeatherman/YouTube
