Additional Coverage:
- Forecasters on high alert as threat of tropical storm Gabrielle in Atlantic intensifies (themirror.com)
Atlantic Weather System Likely to Become Tropical Storm
A weather system churning in the Atlantic Ocean has a high probability of developing into a tropical storm or depression within the next couple of days. Meteorologists are closely monitoring Invest 92L, currently situated between the Windward Islands and the West African coast.
The National Hurricane Center (NHC) has given the system a 90% chance of formation within the next week, noting the presence of a broad area of showers and thunderstorms. If wind speeds reach 39 mph, the system will be designated a tropical storm, potentially becoming the seventh named storm of the season.
While some forecast models predict a northward track into the open Atlantic, others suggest a path closer to the Caribbean. Some models even indicate potential intensification into a hurricane.
Meanwhile, the NHC is also tracking a tropical wave off the African coast, which may gradually develop as it moves westward.
This hurricane season has already seen activity in the Pacific, with Hurricane Kiko impacting Hawaii with high surf and rip currents, and Hurricane Lorena making landfall in Baja California, Mexico before weakening to a tropical storm.
Recall that the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration predicted an above-normal Atlantic hurricane season with a 60% probability. Their forecast anticipates 13 to 19 named storms, six to 10 hurricanes, and three to five major hurricanes. A typical season sees 14 named storms and seven hurricanes.