Evan Thompson, director of the Meteorological Service of Jamaica, says as a tropical wave moves into the western Caribbean, Jamaicans should expect an increase in rainfall and thunderstorms this afternoon.

Thompson said the area of disturbed weather has been weakening over the past few hours, which is expected to reduce its impact on the island.

“Today is the day we would have expected to experience much of the effects of this tropical wave; as it continues to move westward, there was a 40 per cent chance of it developing further into a tropical depression or tropical storm; however, over the past 24-hours that was reduced somewhat. The projection is now that there is a 30 per cent chance of that kind of development as it moves into the western Caribbean, moving towards Central America,” he said.

He was speaking at a post-cabinet press briefing on Wednesday, September 4.

“Right now not much activity is being experienced so far; however, I should point out that the projections coming from the computer models have indicated a weakening of the system over the past few hours [112-24 hours], and we expect that there is some weakening that is taking place that will cause it not to have as dramatic an impact over Jamaica as was previously expected; however, we do expect that there will be an increase in rainfall and thunderstorm activity going through the afternoon,” Thompson added.

A flash flood watch is not currently in effect for the island. 

However, Thompson said the Met Service will be observing how the system develops and if there is the potential for flooding.

The area of disturbed weather is expected to affect the island until Thursday afternoon.

The Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management is also urging Jamaicans to take stay alert and the necessary precautions to protect themselves and their property.

This include avoiding low-lying areas, refraining from travelling through flooded roadways, gullies and river courses.