Jamaica faces dual-weather threat from trough and second cold front

The Meteorological Service issued an advisory early Tuesday, warning that a trough currently over the western Caribbean will move across Jamaica late tonight and linger through Thursday. This system is expected to produce cloudy conditions with periods of showers and thunderstorms, which may be heavy at times, particularly across northern parishes.

“The public, especially residents in northern parishes, should prepare for possible flash flooding in low-lying areas from early Wednesday through Thursday,” the release stated.

Second Cold Front Incoming

Before the island can recover from the wet conditions, another cold front is projected to arrive on Friday. Though forecasters describe it as weaker than the system that passed earlier this week, it will still bring noticeably cooler temperatures and strong, gusty winds lasting into the weekend.

Northern parishes are again expected to bear the brunt of the windy conditions.

Weather experts contend that Jamaica's current cool temperatures are due to a strong cold front from North America that has pushed far enough south to envelop the island, bringing cooler, drier air, clear skies that allow for cool nights, and persistent northerly winds. It's a regular feature of the Caribbean winter but always stands out in contrast to the island's typical tropical warmth.

The Met Service has issued a strong caution to fishers and marine operators. Sea conditions are likely to deteriorate sharply in the vicinity of showers and thunderstorms on Wednesday and Thursday, followed by rough seas due to strong winds from Friday onward.

“We advise all marine interests to exercise extreme caution and avoid unnecessary voyages during this period,” the release emphasized.

Cold Front Invasions from North America Explained

During the Northern Hemisphere winter (Nov-Apr), powerful high-pressure systems build over North America, particularly the continental United States and Canada. These systems push masses of cold, dry air southward in the form of cold fronts.

 Occasionally, these fronts are strong enough to penetrate deep into the Caribbean, reaching as far south as Jamaica, Hispaniola, and sometimes even the eastern Caribbean. When a strong cold front "sweeps" over Jamaica, it replaces the usual warm, moist tropical air with cooler, drier air from the north. This can cause temperatures, especially at night and in inland areas, to drop significantly.