In a hurry? Here's everything you need to know about what's happening in the tropics (in less than a minute).
There is a moderate chance of tropical wave development near the Leeward Islands this week, according to the latest report from the National Hurricane Center.
A tropical depression could form later this week, and forecasters said residents in the southeastern United States, including Florida, should monitor the system.
Although the colored areas may look like the hurricane center's “cone of concern,” the orange areas on the agency's Tropical Outlook map actually represent areas where tropical cyclones are likely to develop.
➤ Track all active storms
Tropical cyclone is a general term covering all tropical systems, including tropical depressions, tropical storms and hurricanes.
If the system does strengthen, the next designated storm of the season will be Debbie.
Here are the latest updates from the NHC as of 2 p.m. July 29:
What are tropical waves?
A tropical wave, also called a tropical wave, is an elongated area of relatively low pressure that travels from east to west across the tropics. To the west of the galaxy, there is often good weather. However, in the east, clouds and heavy rains often occur.
According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, tropical waves can lead to the formation of tropical cyclones.
Tropical wave may turn into tropical depression this week
An area of weather disturbance over the central tropical Atlantic is expected to interact with approaching tropical waves over the next day or two.
➤ Excessive rainfall is expected
Environmental conditions are expected to be favorable for progressive development thereafter, with the possibility of a tropical depression forming later this week when the system is located near the Greater Antilles or Bahamas. Interest groups in the Greater Antilles, the Bahamas, and the southeastern United States should monitor the progress of this system.
- Chance of formation within 48 hours: Low, close to 0%.
- Chance of formation within 7 days: Medium, 50%.
Storm tracker: Monitor tropical waves moving toward Florida
It's too early to determine what impact the tropical wave may have on Florida, but here's what the National Weather Service has to say so far:
south florida: The National Hurricane Center in Miami said the overall range ranged from “sloppy” open waves to named storms. Forecasters advise residents to continue monitoring the National Hurricane Center. It currently appears that help may be approaching the area over the weekend. The impact will depend on the severity of the impact, which is difficult to judge at this time.
East Coast/Central Florida: Models range from wave tissue on either side of Florida to waves over the Caribbean Sea. Forecasters at the National Weather Service's Melbourne office also said the system was still far away and there were many uncertainties. The best advice is to pay close attention throughout the week and have emergency supplies and plans ready. The potential for impact in the area could be as early as Saturday night, but if the impact slows, it could be early next week.
Southwest Florida: Forecasters with the National Weather Service in Tampa Bay say there's no clear guidance yet, so the best advice is to always be prepared, especially this time of year. The impact, if any, could come over the weekend or early next week.
what else?
Tropical waves: The tropical wave in the eastern Atlantic Ocean is moving westward at 17 miles per hour.
What do the colored areas on the NOAA map mean?
The shaded areas on the Tropical Outlook map represent “areas where tropical cyclones, which could be tropical depressions, tropical storms or hurricanes, may form,” said Jamie Rhome, deputy director of the National Hurricane Center.
These colors clearly indicate how likely the system is to develop with yellow as low, orange as medium, and red as high.
The National Hurricane Center generally does not issue tropical warnings until a designated storm occurs, with one exception.
“If a system is close to land and has the potential to develop, the National Hurricane Center will not wait to issue an advisory, even if the system has not yet become a true storm. This gives residents time to prepare,” Rohm said.
Who might be affected?
It's too early to determine whether the tropical waves will have any impact on Florida or the United States.
Forecasters urge all residents to continue monitoring the tropics and stay prepared. This advice is especially important during what is expected to be a very active hurricane season.
Florida issues weather watches and warnings
When is the Atlantic hurricane season?
The Atlantic hurricane season lasts from June 1 to November 30.
When is the peak of hurricane season?
The peak of the season is September 10, with the most activity from mid-August to mid-October, according to the hurricane center.
National Hurricane Center Map: What are forecasters looking at now?
Systems currently being monitored by the National Hurricane Center include:
Interactive map: hurricanes, tropical storms passing near your city
Too much rainfall expected
What's next?
We will continue to update our tropical weather forecast reports daily. Download the local website's app to make sure you're always in the loop with the news. And find our special subscription offers here.
