Stable weather, haze and strong winds forecast for Jamaica through weekend

Mostly settled weather remains in place across Jamaica and the wider Caribbean, although strong regional winds are pushing moisture into the western Caribbean. That pattern is supporting showers and thunderstorms near Cuba, parts of the western basin and sections of western Jamaica.

Forecasters expect stable conditions to continue into the weekend, with strong winds also staying in the forecast. Shallow troughs are positioned to the east, but they are not expected to trigger any major shower or thunderstorm activity.

For Thursday night, skies should be mainly clear across the area. Temperatures are forecast to fall to 26 degrees Celsius in Kingston and 25 degrees Celsius in Montego Bay. Winds along the north coast should come from the east-northeast at about 10 knots, while the south coast should see easterly winds near 10 knots.

On Friday morning, partly cloudy skies are expected, with haze developing early and lasting into the afternoon. Windy, partly cloudy conditions are also forecast. Daytime highs should reach 35 degrees Celsius in Kingston and 34 degrees Celsius in Montego Bay.

Hazy and partly cloudy weather should continue across much of the island on Friday. Strong winds are expected in the southeast, southwestern parishes and the northwest, including Montego Bay and Falmouth. The northeast, including St. Ann's Bay and Ocho Rios, should be mostly sunny, while other areas remain hazy with some cloud cover.

The outlook through the weekend is for generally sunny weather, continuing haze and strong winds. Winds are expected to ease by Monday.

Small craft warnings remain in effect for inshore waters off the north coast on Friday, where winds may reach 25 knots and waves 2.5 metres. The warning also applies to the south coast, with easterly winds near 25 knots and seas up to 2.5 metres, and to offshore areas with similar wave heights. Conditions may improve by Monday, when east winds are expected to ease to about 20 knots and waves to 2 metres.

Sunset on Friday is forecast for 6:38 p.m. in Kingston and 6:44 p.m. in Negril.