The Cuban Meteorological Institute (INSMET) issued an Early Warning Alert on Friday due to favorable atmospheric and oceanic conditions that could lead to the formation of a low-pressure area in the Caribbean Sea and Atlantic Ocean, potentially impacting the island in the coming days.
In its report, INSMET highlighted that a trough extends over the Atlantic Ocean, reaching the vicinity of the Lesser Antilles and the seas north of Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republic. This situation is accompanied by intense clusters of showers, rain, and thunderstorms.
Furthermore, a large low-pressure area is developing in the southwestern Caribbean Sea, where there has been a significant buildup of cloudiness. Although this cloudiness is currently disorganized, forecast models suggest the potential for a tropical cyclonic system to form in the coming days, according to the report.
Upcoming Weather Concerns for Cuba
INSMET emphasizes that regardless of whether a cyclonic system develops, heavy rain and thunderstorms are imminent, particularly in eastern Cuba, which has already experienced significant rainfall in the final days of October.
Dr. Miriam Teresita Llanes Monteagudo, head of the Forecast Center at INSMET, stated that the institute will maintain constant surveillance over weather conditions and will provide updates as necessary.
Community Preparedness and Past Incidents
The organization advises the public to stay informed and adhere to instructions from authorities during this meteorological situation, occurring during the most active hurricane season in the Atlantic in the past 30 years.
Two weeks ago, Hurricane Oscar hit the eastern part of the island, resulting in at least eight deaths and two missing persons. The affected population claimed they received no warning about the storm, amid a massive power outage that prevented access to media reports.
Looking Ahead: Predictions for the 2024 Hurricane Season
In June, meteorologists from Colorado State University (CSU) warned that the 2024 Atlantic hurricane season would be "extremely active," predicting 23 named storms and 11 hurricanes, with five reaching category three or higher.
These figures far exceed the average over the last 30 years, which stands at 14 named storms and seven hurricanes, with three reaching category three or higher in the Atlantic.