09/19 Ryan’s “Maria & Humidity” Tuesday Forecast

All eyes are rightfully on Hurricane Maria, as the Category 5 monster creeps closer to Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. This storm is expected to strike the islands directly Wednesday afternoon, and will likely have winds in excess of 155 mph as it moves slowly across. Many Caribbean islands will feel Tropical Storm to Hurricane force winds, and while this storm’s path is similar to Irma’s, Maria will make a significant turn to the North just East of the Bahamas and head into the Atlantic. This storm is not expected to impact South Mississippi in any way, but Puerto Rico and the nearby islands will experience life threatening storm surge, winds, and flooding over the next 24-36 hours.

The local weather is much more predictable. Days will remain hot and humid with temperatures in the upper 80s through low 90s and partly sunny skies. Each day will have a chance of afternoon showers and thunderstorms, generally around 1-4 PM, though rain chances increase to a maximum of 40% around the weekend. A ridge remains parked over the Eastern third of the country which will keep the winds light and from the South-Southeast, which will keep low level moisture high while keeping convection light and scattered. Fall officially starts on Friday, but don’t expect a drastic change in weather right away.