Thunderstorms and rain are expected this week as Tropical Storm Chris lingers west of Bermuda.

The storm, expected to remain nearly stationary over the next day or two, is forecast to come within 390 miles to the northwest of Bermuda at 1pm on Wednesday, its closest point within the next 72 hours.

But the Bermuda Weather Service warned it may move closer after that, depending upon its track.

According to the United States National Hurricane Centre, Chris has the potential to strengthen into a hurricane today because of warm sea surface temperatures and favourable winds.

The BWS said Chris would “track north-eastward over the coming few days, gaining speed towards midweek but always maintaining a safe distance from the island”.

“Meanwhile, as the Bermuda-Azores high weakens slightly, expect a shower or two, particularly this morning and again on Thursday.

“Away from any showers, there will be some sunshine and fairly humid conditions.

Winds are expected to increase tonight.

At 6am, Chris was 571 miles west of Bermuda, with winds of about 60mph and higher gusts.

The US National Hurricane Centre said: “The cyclone is expected to remain nearly stationary during the next day or so.

“A northeastward motion is forecast to begin late Tuesday, and Chris is forecast to accelerate northeastward on Wednesday and Thursday.

“Strengthening is expected during the next couple of days, and Chris is forecast to become a hurricane late today or tonight.”

Increased swells were expected for the coasts of North Carolina and mid-Atlantic states, with the warning: “These swells could case life-threatening surf and rip current conditions.”

The remnants of Tropical Storm Beryl were this morning located over the northeaster Caribbean Sea, bringing a chance of thunderstorms and gusty winds.

The National Hurricane Centre said the disturbance could strengthen into a tropical cyclone again later this week but unfavourable conditions should prevent redevelopment in the next day or two.

The Atlantic hurricane season, which runs from June 1 to November 30, spared Bermuda last year, but battered the Caribbean as well as the United States.

Recovery efforts are still under way in islands across the Caribbean, and an above-average season is expected again this year with seas warmer than usual.