Dumb Bahamas question prevailing winds

[callistov42]

I am heading Callisto home after 23 years in the Caribbean. We passed through the Bahamas heading south and left the boat there for a while but old age is getting to my memory. Can't I count on S to SE prevailing winds in early May between the Turks and Caicos and the Exumas? Should I anticipate west or north winds that time of year?

[Tin Tin]

Should be E - SE most of the time, barring thunderstorm rotations.
See link to South Caicos historical weather https://www.windfinder.com/windstati...providenciales

[pesarsten]

Pilot charts for May show force 4 winds predominantly east/southeast in the Turks / Caicos.

Download a full set of North Atlantic Pilot charts, great reference materiel.

[callistov42]

Thank you gentlemen! I am embarrassed to admit that I have a set of paper pilot charts stored away with my other old paper charts and didn't even think to refer to them. I have now done so. I appreciate your advise.

[OldManMirage]

Wow, 23 years in the Carib. That should be a plethora of good tales and adventures !

Good on ya mate !

[MicHughV]

There is a 99.9% probability, winds will be from an eastern quadrant.

Only times winds come from the west or north is during a frontal passage, but by May, the chances of that are quite reduced. Can happen, off course, but the fronts blow thru' quick, so at worst is 1-2 days. Plenty of places to find refuge during those times, so no worries.

[davil]

Originally Posted by MicHughV

There is a 99.9% probability, winds will be from an eastern quadrant.

Only times winds come from the west or north is during a frontal passage, but by May, the chances of that are quite reduced. Can happen, off course, but the fronts blow thru' quick, so at worst is 1-2 days. Plenty of places to find refuge during those times, so no worries.

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what about February and March?

[MicHughV]

OP sez he is going to do the trip in May....

Feb and March, the odds of a winter front going that far south are good, but these are usually predicted days in advance giving one a few days to find a hidey hole.

I've ridden out several fronts in the B'mas. The conditions get boisterous due to the shallow water. In fact going from north to south, the fronts are a blessing as it gives one some north wind to make going south easier.

These fronts can reach down to the south end of the Exuma's and beyond in Feb and March, but by May are mostly petered out.