Eastern Tropical Atlantic (AL97)
West Palm Beach, FLA. (WPEC) — A broad area of low pressure, a region where the atmospheric pressure is lower than surrounding areas, is currently located just east and southeast of the Cabo Verde Islands. This system is associated with a tropical wave, which is a type of atmospheric disturbance that moves westward through the tropics and can sometimes develop into a tropical cyclone.
Although the showers and thunderstorms are currently disorganized, conditions in the atmosphere are favorable for gradual development. A tropical depression, a weak tropical cyclone with organized circulation and sustained winds below 39 mph, is likely to form by mid to late week as the system moves west-northwest at 15 to 20 mph.
Cabo Verde Islands should be prepared for locally heavy rainfall and gusty winds today and Monday.
- Chance of formation in 48 hours: Low (30%)
- Chance of formation in 7 days: High (80%)
Central Atlantic (AL96)
Meanwhile, another system in the central tropical Atlantic is showing less promise. Disorganized showers and thunderstorms continue around a trough of low pressure, which is an elongated area of lower pressure that can help trigger storm activity. However, dry air in the surrounding environment is limiting its ability to develop…