Meteorologists are monitoring a tropical wave located about 300 miles east of the Leeward Islands that is producing scattered showers and thunderstorms.

According to the latest forecasts, environmental conditions are only marginally favourable for development over the next few days as the system moves quickly westward to west-northwestward at 15 to 20 mph.

By the latter part of the week, the wave is expected to slow down and turn more northwestward. Forecasters say a tropical depression could form late this week, either over the southwestern Atlantic Ocean or near the Bahamas.

Regardless of whether the system develops into a tropical cyclone, gusty winds and heavy rainfall are expected to affect parts of the Leeward Islands late Monday night and Tuesday, and areas near Puerto Rico on Tuesday and Wednesday.

The National Hurricane Centre has assigned the wave a **10% chance of development over the next 48 hours** and a **50% chance over the next seven days**.

Residents in affected areas are advised to monitor local weather updates and take precautions against possible flooding and strong winds.