Forecast for Tropical Storm Melissa

Millions in Haiti, Jamaica, and the Dominican Republic are preparing for severe weather as Tropical Storm Melissa moves through the central Caribbean, with expectations that it could strengthen into a Category 4 hurricane. The storm is predicted to transition into a hurricane by Friday and may reach winds of 130 mph by Monday, according to the National Hurricane Center (NHC).

The NHC warns that it’s increasingly probable Melissa will become a significant and dangerous hurricane before the forecast period ends.

Currently, Tropical Storm Melissa is facing challenges from strong wind shear and moderately dry air in the mid-atmosphere, which can be detrimental to tropical storms if they persist. However, the NHC believes that the storm will likely evolve into a major hurricane as it traverses the unusually warm waters of the Caribbean Sea.

As for Melissa’s trajectory, the NHC notes that pinpointing its exact path remains challenging with the storm potentially lingering in the Caribbean for several days.

A hurricane warning is in effect for Haiti’s southwestern peninsula, stretching from the Dominican Republic border to Port-au-Prince. Meanwhile, a tropical storm warning has been issued for Jamaica.