The first forecast for Tropical Depression 2 has been issued by the NHC. The storm is expected to become Hurricane Beryl by Sunday with winds peaking near 105 mph early next week. It will impact portions of the southern Lesser Antilles Monday as a category one hurricane before tracking through the Caribbean next week. No watches have been issued just yet by the NHC.

By the end of next week (7 days out), Beryl should be located somewhere in the western Caribbean and weakening some, heading in a general west/wnw direction. Model data is now indicating some potential upper level wind shear may begin to weaken Beryl once it reaches the central Caribbean. Beyond 7 days confidence is LOW on what the final outcome will be. For those who want our expert analysis, the ongoing heat ridges causing the hot weather across the southern U.S. may try to steer this storm into Central America. That is just what it looks like today June 28 and can and probably will change. Interests in the Caribbean and the Gulf should monitor this storm over the next 7 days until we get closer in time and a better handle on the steering pattern for late next week. No one knows what the final outcome will be. Stay tuned for updates.