The Met Service says there is a high chance of tropical depression development near Jamaica within the next 48 hours.

This, as the tropical wave that has been impacting weather conditions across the country since yesterday has merged with the broad area of low pressure south of the island.

This system is expected to continue influencing weather across the island through to the weekend.

The Met Office says satellite imagery indicates a large but gradually organizing area of showers and thunderstorms across the central and southwestern Caribbean Sea.

Regardless of the stage of development, the area of low pressure is expected to bring continued and increased rainfall to Jamaica through to at least Sunday afternoon.

Consequently, the forecast is for cloudy conditions with periods of showers and thunderstorms, which may be heavy at times to affect sections of all parishes especially southern parishes during this period.

Fishers on the cays and banks are urged to exercise extreme caution as sea conditions will continue to deteriorate in the vicinity of showers and thunderstorms.

The Met Service says it will continue to monitor this system as there is a 90% chance of tropical cyclone development over the next 48 hours.