Jamaicans are being advised to prepare for several days of unsettled weather as a trough and a cold front are expected to affect the island, the Meteorological Service of Jamaica (Met Service) said Tuesday.
A trough across the western Caribbean is forecast to move across Jamaica late Tuesday night and linger through Thursday, producing cloudy conditions with periods of showers and thunderstorms, particularly across northern parishes. Some rainfall could be heavy, the Met Service warned.
A second system, a cold front, is projected to impact the island on Friday. While expected to be weaker than the current trough, it could bring cooler temperatures and strong, gusty winds through the weekend, especially in northern parishes.
Marine interests and fishers were urged to exercise extreme caution, as sea conditions are forecast to deteriorate near showers and thunderstorms on Wednesday and Thursday, and again from Friday onward due to strong winds.
The Jamaica Public Service Company (JPS) reported power outages in several parishes as strong winds associated with the cold front disrupted electricity supply. Affected areas include sections of Hanover, St. Ann, the Corporate Area, St. Catherine, and Clarendon.
“Our emergency response teams are already carrying out restoration where it is safe to do so,” JPS Chief Operating Officer Lance Becca said. “Crews were working late into Monday night to restore customers, and we have made significant headway.”
The Ministry of Health and Wellness urged residents to take precautions as cooler temperatures and strong winds sweep across the island. The ministry warned that flying debris and falling objects could increase the risk of injury, advising people to limit outdoor activity and exercise caution when carrying out repairs.
The ministry also cautioned that vulnerable groups — including the elderly and individuals with sickle cell disease — could be particularly affected during Jamaica’s ongoing influenza season. Residents were advised to wear appropriate clothing to regulate body temperature and protect against viral illnesses, and to obtain flu vaccines, available free of cost at health centres islandwide.
Additional safety guidance focused on the safe use of generators, emphasizing that they should not be operated indoors or in enclosed spaces, and must be placed at a safe distance from buildings. Residents were also reminded to avoid using appliances with heating elements, such as toasters or hair dryers, while on generator power, and to ensure outlets match the generator’s voltage output.
Individuals who become ill or injured during the unsettled weather were encouraged to seek medical attention at the nearest health centre or consult a private doctor, the ministry said.
The Met Service confirmed it will continue to monitor both systems and provide updates as conditions evolve.
