Tropical Storm Beryl

Satellite imagery indicates Tropical Depression Two has strengthened into a Tropical Storm. Tropical Storm Beryl developed in the central Tropical Atlantic and has maximum sustained winds of 50 mph with higher gusts. Beryl is moving to the W at 16 mph.

Fig. 1: National Hurricane Center Forecast

Shear is currently high ahead of the storm over the eastern Caribbean (see Fig. 2), which should prevent significant strengthening. However, Beryl should slowly increase in intensity over the next 24-48 hours. Right now, it appears Beryl should reach weak-hurricane status with strengthening up to around 75 mph by Saturday morning. As Beryl approaches the Lesser Antilles by late this weekend, it should feel the influence of the shear over the eastern Caribbean and weakening looks likely. Regardless of weakening, an increase in rain chances will occur for the Lesser Antilles followed by an increase in rain chances for Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands on Sunday into Monday.

Fig. 2: Current Shear Map (University of Wisconsin)

Fig. 3: Sunday Morning Shear Map (Tropical Tidbits)

Updates will be provided as needed!