Tropical Depression #13 formed overnight from the tropical wave and the associated area of low pressure the Barbados Meteorological Services has been monitoring for the past few days.
At 8 a.m., it was located near 15.4N 50.9W or about 600 miles (970 km) to the east-northeast of Barbados. Present movement is to the west-northwest at 21 miles (33 km/h) with an estimated minimum central pressure of 1008mb.
Satellite imagery continued to show deep convective activity near the center of Tropical Depression #13 over the last few hours. However some dry air entrainment to the west of the system is occurring, and as a result, convection in that sector is minimum.
Over the next 24 hours, marginally favourable environmental conditions could result in the system becoming a tropical storm.
Numerical model data is predicting that the system will continue on its west-northwestward track as it approaches the northern Leeward Islands. Based on the current track, this system is expected to pass well north of Barbados on Friday and poses no direct threat to the island.
As the system passes near the Leeward Islands, trailing moisture and instability is likely to bring occasional shower activity to Barbados
The next update will be at noon on Friday, or sooner if conditions warrant. (PR/SAT)