St. Kitts and Nevis Meteorological Forecast

This extended weather forecast pertains to the Leeward Islands for a period spanning from the evening of June 23, 2025, to the evening of June 24, 2025, expiring at 8 PM on Tuesday, June 24th. The dominant weather feature influencing the region during this period is a plume of dry, dusty air originating from the Sahara Desert. This Saharan Air Layer (SAL) is anticipated to create hazy conditions across the Leeward Islands, suppressing the development of showers. Concurrent with the SAL influence, higher-altitude clouds will persist throughout the forecast period, further contributing to the overall cloud cover. Temperature-wise, the forecast predicts a relatively warm range, with a high of 29 degrees Celsius (84 degrees Fahrenheit) and a low of 26 degrees Celsius (79 degrees Fahrenheit).

The forecast for the night of June 23rd calls for mostly cloudy and hazy skies with a slight chance of showers, quantified as a 20% probability. This suggests that while some localized showers may develop, the overall likelihood of significant rainfall is low. The hazy conditions are directly attributed to the presence of the SAL, which is known to transport fine dust particles across the Atlantic. These particles scatter sunlight, resulting in reduced visibility and a milky or hazy appearance to the sky. The SAL also inhibits the formation of clouds and precipitation due to its dry and stable air mass.

The forecast for June 24th mirrors the conditions predicted for the previous night, with mostly cloudy and hazy skies and a continuing 20% chance of showers. The persistence of the SAL is the primary factor maintaining these conditions. The high-level clouds, independent of the SAL, also contribute to the overall cloudiness. These clouds, likely cirrus or cirrostratus, are composed of ice crystals and typically form at high altitudes. While they may not produce precipitation themselves, they can affect the amount of solar radiation reaching the surface, potentially moderating temperatures.

Wind conditions throughout the forecast period are anticipated to be moderate to brisk, blowing from the east at speeds ranging from 22 to 39 kilometers per hour (14 to 24 miles per hour). Furthermore, the forecast cautions about the possibility of stronger wind gusts reaching up to 55 kilometers per hour (34 miles per hour). These easterly winds are consistent with the typical trade wind pattern prevalent in the Caribbean region. The increased wind speeds, coupled with the dry air from the SAL, can contribute to elevated fire danger and exacerbate dry conditions. Mariners and those engaged in outdoor activities should be mindful of the potential impact of these winds.

Sea conditions are expected to be moderately rough, with wave heights ranging from 1.8 to 2.1 meters (6 to 7 feet). This poses a cautionary note for small craft operators who are advised to exercise caution when navigating these waters. The combination of moderate wave heights and potentially gusty winds can create challenging conditions for smaller vessels. Larger vessels may experience some rocking but are generally less susceptible to these conditions. It is crucial for boaters to monitor weather updates and adhere to safety guidelines.

Finally, the forecast provides the timing for sunrise and sunset on June 24th, with sunrise occurring at 5:38 AM and sunset at 6:48 PM. This information provides context to the daylight hours and can be useful for planning outdoor activities. The relatively long daylight hours are characteristic of the summer solstice period, when the sun reaches its highest point in the sky. This astronomical event marks the longest day of the year in the Northern Hemisphere. The forecast, while primarily focused on meteorological conditions, includes these details to offer a comprehensive overview of the environmental conditions expected during the forecast period.