Beaufort County Weather Update: Tropical Storm Rafael Looms in the Caribbean

Beaufort County Weather Watch: Tropical Storm Rafael Brewing in the Caribbean

Hey there, Beaufort! It’s that time of year again, and we’ve got some news from the skies above. A cyclone is brewing in the Caribbean and is likely to become Tropical Storm Rafael as it makes its way northwest toward Cuba. While this storm sounds a bit ominous, we want to reassure you that Beaufort County and the East Coast are currently safe from any direct threats. Phew!

The Storm’s Path and Potential Impact

As Rafael intensifies, it will bring large amounts of rain primarily to the central Gulf Coast and could lead to some wet weather here in the Hilton Head Island area due to moisture being pushed over Florida and into the Southeast U.S. The National Hurricane Center has indicated that “heavy rainfall” is expected to start in these areas as the week progresses. So, if you were thinking about taking your kayak out for a spin, you might want to hold off!

Rain Forecast

According to our trusty forecasters, rain is expected to visit Beaufort starting on Wednesday and sticking around through Thursday. But don’t worry too much! The skies should clear up just in time for the weekend—perfect for those outdoor plans. So, whether you’re hitting the beach or just going for a stroll, you’ll be good to go!

Election Day Weather Outlook

If you’re planning on heading out to vote, you’ll want to pay attention to the forecast for Election Day. There’s a 30% chance of showers in the morning, but don’t let that get you down! The outlook for the afternoon looks mostly sunny, with temperatures nudging into the high 70s. So grab your umbrella just in case, but keep your shorts handy for the warmth!

Storm Details

Now, let’s get into the nitty-gritty of this cyclone. Currently labeled as Tropical Depression 18, this fast-strengthening storm has winds around 35 mph. Predictions show that it will likely transform into a tropical storm on Monday and could even become a full-blown hurricane by Wednesday—yikes!

Tracking the storm, models indicate it will glide past Jamaica on Wednesday, linger over the Cayman Islands later that day, and reach western Cuba. From there, it might make landfall between Louisiana and the western edge of the Florida panhandle early Saturday morning. But here’s the twist—dry air and cooler ocean temperatures could weaken the storm as it heads northward, which is what we’re hoping for!

What’s Next for Hurricane Season?

As a reminder, hurricane season wraps up on November 30, but tropical activity sometimes likes to stretch itself into December. Experts are predicting that 2024 could be a pretty busy year, expecting more than 20 named storms during the season. If Rafael gets named, it would be the 17th named storm this year, surpassing the average of 14 storms per season. Wild, right?

Weekly Weather Breakdown

To wrap things up, let’s take a quick look at the weather for the upcoming days:

• Tuesday: 30% chance of showers before 1 PM. Mostly sunny with a high near 80.
• Wednesday: 30% chance of showers mainly after 1 PM. High near 81, mostly cloudy.
• Thursday: Showers likely after 1 PM. Cloudy and a high near 77. Chance of precipitation is 60%.
• Friday: 20% chance of showers. Partly sunny with a high of about 78.
• Saturday: Mostly sunny, high near 78.
• Sunday: Partly sunny with temperatures nearing 79.

So, there you have it, Beaufort! Stay tuned for updates on the weather and Tropical Storm Rafael, and as always, keep your eyes to the skies!