Authorities in the Caribbean are closely monitoring a tropical wave near the Windward Islands that could develop into a tropical depression later this week.

The system is bringing heavy rain and gusty winds to parts of the Windward and Leeward Islands and is moving westwards into the eastern Caribbean Sea at 32 to 40 km/h.

The National Hurricane Center in Miami says the wave is unlikely to develop over the next day or two due to its rapid movement. However, it is expected to slow over the central Caribbean later this week, where conditions may become more favourable for tropical development.

If it acquires tropical characteristics, the system is expected to be named Melissa, followed by Nestor, becoming the 13th named storm of the 2025 Atlantic hurricane season. So far this year, most Atlantic storms have veered away from the populated Caribbean islands, leaving much of the region largely unscathed.

The NHC estimates a 10 per cent chance of formation over the next 48 hours, rising to 60 per cent over the next seven days. Residents and visitors are advised to monitor forecasts closely as conditions evolve.