Tropical Storm Beryl is expected to strengthen into the first hurricane of the season as it approaches the southern tip of Barbados in the south-eastern Caribbean. The storm, currently with maximum sustained winds of 60mph (95km/h), is moving west at a speed of 21mph (34km/h), according to the National Hurricane Center of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

Forecasters predict that Beryl will gain strength and become a hurricane by the time it reaches Barbados on Sunday, bringing heavy rains, strong winds, and a potentially dangerous storm surge. In response to the impending threat, Barbados has already issued a hurricane watch.

The prime minister of Barbados, Mia Mottley, urged residents to be prepared for the worst. Thousands of people are currently in Barbados for the Twenty20 World Cup cricket final, which is scheduled to take place between India and South Africa on Saturday. Mottley emphasized the importance of planning for the worst-case scenario while hoping for the best outcome.

The storm is projected to pass approximately 26 miles (42km) south of Barbados. Current models indicate that Beryl will then continue south of the Dominican Republic and Haiti, crossing over Jamaica and the Cayman Islands, before heading towards Mexico's Yucatán peninsula.

Meteorologists attribute the formation and intensity of the storm to below-normal wind shear, which has reduced the disruptive winds typically experienced during the early summer season. The Weather Channel reported that this favorable condition has facilitated Beryl's development.

Beryl's formation is considered unusual, occurring early in the Atlantic hurricane season and in the tropical Atlantic east of the Caribbean. Typically, the first storms of the season do not form until early to mid-August, according to the National Hurricane Center.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration previously predicted an "above average" hurricane season, expecting a total of 17 to 25 storms, including eight to 13 hurricanes and four to seven major hurricanes of category 3 or higher. This increase is attributed to the El Niño-southern oscillation phenomenon (Enso), which affects storm formations in the Pacific and Atlantic oceans. Additionally, the development of La Niña this summer is expected to further increase hurricane and tropical/subtropical storm activity in the Atlantic due to decreased atmospheric stability.

As Beryl approaches, preparations in Barbados are underway, including the removal of fishing vessels from the water, cleaning of drains and waterways, and flushing of areas such as Bridgetown. Authorities are working diligently to ensure the safety of residents and visitors amidst the potential hazards presented by the storm.

It is advised for residents and those in the affected regions to stay updated on the storm's progression and follow instructions from local authorities to mitigate the impact of Beryl's powerful winds and heavy rains.