AT 2 P.M. A hurricane hunter aircraft will investigate the strong tropical wave developing 450 statute miles to the east of Barbados.
The Barbados Meteorological Services has determined that the centre is near 11.5N, 53.0W, but the aircraft will provide a more definitive position.
A tropical storm warning may be issued for Barbados once the system has been upgraded.
In a noon update director of Barbados Meteorological Services Hampden Lovell said the overall cloud pattern continued to improve over the past few hours with the system becoming better organised.
Most of the associated deep convection remains north of the broad centre. The system continues to track west to west-northwest at about 15 to 20 mph or 24 to 32 km/h.
Environmental conditions remain conducive for continued gradual development over the next 24 to 36 hours, and a tropical depression/tropical storm could form by late this afternoon or tonight.
A tropical storm warning may be issued for Barbados anytime once the system has been upgraded. Regardless of tropical cyclone development, moderate to heavy showers, periods of rain, thunderstorms and winds gusting to storm force are likely to spread across the island late tonight into Wednesday.
Rainfall accumulations of four to eight inches (100 to 200 millimetres) are possible along the path of the system. In addition, swells of four to five metres (12 to 15 feet) are expected in open water.
This will prompt a warning for small craft and sea bathers for Tuesday night and into Wednesday.
This information will be updated at 5 p.m. today or sooner if conditions warrant. This and other related information may be obtained from www.barbadosweather.org or www.agriculture.gov.bb or by dialling 976-2376. (PR/NB)