TROPICAL DISTURBANCE 37 SHOWING SIGNS OF STRENGTHENING  –  Tropical Disturbance 37 is located near 15.2N/52.5W, or about 620 miles east-southeast of Antigua in the Leeward Islands. Movement is toward the northwest near 16 mph. There has not been much change in the associated thunderstorm activity over the past few hours. The low-level center remains located on the western side of most of the thunderstorm activity. The maximum sustained winds are estimated to be near 30 mph with higher gusts.

The disturbance is forecast to move toward the northwest during the next several days. Along this track, it should pass northeast of the northern Leeward Islands late Wednesday or early Thursday. On Saturday and Sunday, it is forecast to curve toward the north, then northeast, over the open waters of the western Atlantic.

Conditions are somewhat favorable for the disturbance to gradually strengthen during the next 3 to 5 days. If thunderstorms persist near the center, The National Hurricane Center may upgrade the disturbance to a tropical depression later today.

Conditions are favorable for further intensification as well. The system is forecast to become a tropical storm by the time it passes the islands of the northeastern Caribbean Sea. However, tropical storm-force winds would likely remain northeast of the islands. The system also has a fair chance of becoming a hurricane during the next 3 to 4 days.

Tropical Disturbance 37 is not expected to have an impact on the local area however; the Disturbance has not passed the territory so Residents should monitor system for any sudden change.

For more information, please visit the DDM’s website at www.bviddm.com.