Hurricane Potential Over the Next Week: A Look at the Tropics

Two waves are moving through the Atlantic but currently pose no threat to land.

As we move deeper into the heart of hurricane season, it's a good time to take a look at the Atlantic basin and what we can expect in the coming week. The tropics are beginning to show signs of increased activity, with several areas being monitored for potential development. While there are no immediate threats to land, it's a good reminder for everyone to stay prepared and keep an eye on the latest forecasts.

What's Brewing in the Atlantic?

The National Hurricane Center (NHC) is currently tracking a few areas of interest. The most notable is a tropical wave located in the central tropical Atlantic. While it's currently facing some dry air, which is hindering development, environmental conditions are expected to become more favorable in the coming days. Forecasters believe a tropical depression could form from this system early to mid-next week as it moves northwestward. It's a system to watch, but for now, it poses no immediate threat to land.

Further to the east, another tropical wave has just moved off the coast of Africa. This is a classic "Cabo Verde" type storm in its early stages. Some slow development is possible as it tracks west-northwestward across the eastern and central Atlantic. This is a very long-range forecast, and its ultimate path and intensity are highly uncertain, but it's another reminder that the season is starting to ramp up.

Finally, a non-tropical low-pressure system is located off the coast of the Mid-Atlantic states. While it's producing some disorganized showers, tropical or subtropical development is not expected as it's forecast to move over cooler waters and merge with a front.

What Does This Mean for You?

While the current systems are not expected to impact the United States or other landmasses in the coming week, this is the time of year when we need to be vigilant. The warm waters of the Atlantic, Caribbean, and Gulf of Mexico are prime fuel for tropical systems. Even if a system forms far out in the ocean, its path can change, so staying informed is crucial.

This is an excellent time to review your hurricane preparedness plan. Ensure you have your emergency kit stocked, your family communication plan in place, and that you understand your local evacuation routes. Remember, a hurricane plan isn't just for hurricanes; it's for any emergency.

This is a good time to remember to be on the look out for social media posts hyping up storms well in advance. Maybe models this time of year will have a strong storm somewhere in the next week or two, but that often bounces around day to day since it is so far out. Don't get fooled by click-bait images just showing the picture of a model output.