The National Hurricane Center (NHC) is monitoring a tropical wave in the central Atlantic Ocean that shows potential for development over the next week.
In a tropical weather outlook issued Thursday, forecasters noted that the system is currently producing disorganised showers and thunderstorms. Environmental conditions appear favourable for gradual development as the wave moves westward at 10 to 15 mph.
Key points from the NHC outlook included that a topical depression could form by early next week and that the chance of formation through the next seven days had doubled to now 40 percent.
While the immediate threat remains low, the NHC’s medium-range forecast suggests increased vigilance for residents and interests in the Lesser Antilles and eastern Caribbean.
The potential development of this system comes as the Atlantic hurricane season approaches its peak in early September.