The meteorological conditions are relatively constant ; the West
Indies are situated in the zone of the Trade Winds, winds are generally
regular and rarely above force 6.
The Trade Winds blow from the East,
varying according to the time of year, from NE (November to May) and
from the SE (June to October). They are more regular and cooler between
December and May.
« Strong gales » do not occur except during
the cyclone
period, when sailing is simplified by it. However, it is necessary to
pay detailed attention to the « Squalls »,
where the wind can strengthen and reduce the aerofoil, these « squalls » are
particularly characterized by their cloudy mass.
The weather forecast is broadcast
each morning in the French zone on VHF, you can also find the
forecast in each of the ports.
During the cyclone period (July October) it is important to monitor
the weather position, by listening to the bulletins broadcast
on VHF each morning in the French zone.
You can also hear the
bulletins broadcast on short wave during the cyclone period by
ADRASEC (Radio Amateurs of Martinique) in French on 3700 Khz
at 20h03 local time
The weather forecast on the internet.
It is preferable to be able to read English to be able
to benefit from free (and serious) marine forecasts available in the
Caribbean area. We have selected a number of useful links to enable you
to monitor the weather position especially in the cyclonic period.
- Météo
France Antilles (Weather report in French)
(Updated twice per day at 06h00 – 18h00)
- Caribbean
Weather in Tortola
(A very good site for Antilles weather forecasts, updated daily
at 08h00)
- Caribbean
Satellite chart (Chart
Météo France)
- Tropical
Atlantic Satellite chart
(
Enables the arrival of weather phenomena to be followed)
- Bulletins
issued by the N.H.C (National
Hurricane Center Miami)
Cyclone warning bulletins issued for the Caribbean Central America area (4x daily,
(5h30 11h30) morning & night)
- The
bulletins issued by the University of Florida
(A good synthesis of the cyclone activity)
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