Tropical development is possible from three areas the National Hurricane Center (NHC) is tracking, one in the Caribbean and a pair of systems in the central and eastern Atlantic.
It’s been two weeks since the last time a named storm (Hurricane Ernesto) roamed the Atlantic basin.
Here’s the latest on when the next Atlantic storm, which will be given the name Francine, could form.
Potential for development in the Caribbean, Gulf: This system is an area of disturbed weather called a tropical wave located in the central Caribbean Sea.
Tropical development is possible late this week in the northwest Caribbean Sea before it reaches Belize or Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula, or this weekend into next week if this system emerges into the southwest Gulf of Mexico.
That’s when atmospheric conditions could become more hospitable for a tropical depression or storm to form.
One impediment to this system’s development so far is stable air putting a lid on its ability to generate and organize persistent thunderstorms.
Central and Eastern Atlantic systems also being watched for development: One of the Atlantic disturbances showing promise of development is located just offshore of Africa near the Cabo Verde Islands.
A second system is swirling in the central Atlantic Ocean.
Some slow development is possible before conditions become more unfavorable later this week.
Three regions—two in the central and eastern Atlantic and one in the Caribbean—are being monitored by the National Hurricane Center (NHC) for the possibility of tropical development.
Hurricane Ernesto was the last named storm to ply the Atlantic basin two weeks ago. Here’s the most recent information on the potential formation time of the next Atlantic storm, Francine.
Possibility of development in the Caribbean and Gulf: The central Caribbean Sea contains a tropical wave, a region of disrupted weather. It is currently moving westward, causing erratic shower and thunderstorm activity.
If this system moves into the southwest Gulf of Mexico this weekend or next week, tropical development may occur in the northwest Caribbean Sea late this week before it reaches Belize or the Yucatan Peninsula in Mexico. It is during that time that the atmosphere may become more conducive to the formation of a tropical depression or storm.
The ability of this system to produce and organize long-lasting thunderstorms has been limited thus far by stable air.
The development of the Central and Eastern Atlantic systems is also being monitored. One Atlantic disturbance that exhibits development potential is situated close to the Cabo Verde Islands, offshore from Africa.
The upcoming day or two could bring rain and strong winds to the Cabo Verde islands.
In the center of the Atlantic Ocean, another system is circling. Before the weather turns more unfavorable later this week, some slow development is possible. There is no threat to any land.
