Tropical Development Threats Emerging in the Atlantic

The National Hurricane Center (NHC) is tracking two areas in the Atlantic Ocean potential for tropical development, following Hurricane Erin as the hurricane season intensifies.

System Near West Africa Shows Signs of Formation

An area of disorganized thunderstorms off Africa’s west coast has caught the NHC’s attention. This system, situated in the central tropical Atlantic, is expected to encounter favorable conditions as it moves toward the Caribbean, with a medium chance of developing within the next week.

The NHC indicates that environmental factors may support gradual development, potentially leading to a tropical depression late this week or over the weekend as the system nears or passes north of the Leeward Islands. Its future track remains uncertain, with forecasts fluctuating, although most models suggest it will stay offshore of the U.S. East Coast.

Early Tuesday, this system was designated as Invest 99L—a term used by the NHC to identify areas under investigation for possible development into a tropical depression or storm. This designation allows for specialized forecast modeling to predict its future path and strength.

Another Potential Storm Off Africa

A tropical wave off Africa, producing showers and thunderstorms while moving westward at around 15 mph, also remains under surveillance. The NHC notes a low chance of this system developing further in the next week, though a brief tropical depression could form briefly before environmental conditions turn unfavorable later this week.

If this system strengthens into a named storm, the next name on the list is Gabrielle. The FOX Forecast Center continues to monitor both areas as the peak of hurricane season approaches in September.