National Hurricane Center now tracking 5 tropical waves in the Atlantic; quiet days ahead
There are now five tropical waves out there in the Atlantic the National Hurricane Center is keeping an eye on that are expected to bring some thunderstorms to the Lesser Antilles and the Caribbean this week, but no major tropical activity is expected over the next few days,
That's great news for August, traditionally the beginning of the most active season for hurricanes in the Atlantic. Hurricane season lasts from June 1 through Nov. 30, with Sept. 10 the peak.
The most recent named storm was Hurricane Don, which dissipated nearly two weeks ago in the deep Atlantic. The next storms to be named would be Emily and Franklin.
According to an update from Colorado State University last week, the primary threat formation area for major hurricanes in early- to mid-August is in the tropical Atlantic east of the Lesser Antilles.
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AccuWeather forecasters Aug. 1 updated their prediction of what's in store for the remainder of the Atlantic hurricane season and warned the Atlantic basin could get “very active” in the coming weeks.
AccuWeather is now forecasting 13 to 17 named storms this year, higher than the initial forecast of 11 to 15 storms released in March.
Four to eight are forecast to become hurricanes, and one to three are predicted to become major hurricanes. A major hurricane is a Category 3 storm or higher, with maximum sustained winds of at least 111 mph.
Here are the latest update from the NHC as of 6 a.m. Aug. 7:
What's out there and where are they?
Tropical wave 1: An eastern Atlantic tropical wave is near 22N from 16N southward, moving west around 10 to 15 kt. Scattered moderate convection is noted from 10N to 15N between 19W and 23W.
Tropical wave 2: A central Atlantic tropical wave is near 38W from 16N southward, and moving west around 20 kt. Scattered moderate convection is noted from 06N to 12N between 40W and 42W. This wave is forecast to approach the Lesser Antilles around midweek, increasing the chance of thunderstorms and gusty winds.
Tropical wave 3: A western Atlantic tropical wave is near 53W from 20N southward, and moving west at 15 to 20 kt. Scattered showers and thunderstorms are noted from 15N to 21N between 51W and 55W.
Tropical wave 4: An central Caribbean tropical wave is near 70W from Hispaniola southward into northwestern Venezuela. It is moving west around 15 kt. No significant convection is noted at this time.
Tropical wave 5: A western Caribbean tropical wave is near 82W from 19N southward across central Panama into the East Pacific. It is moving west around 15 kt. Scattered showers and isolated thunderstorms are occurring along the southern coast of Cuba and nearby waters. Isolated thunderstorms are present farther west in the Gulf of Honduras, and adjacent to the Caribbean coast of Costa Rica and Panama.
Who is likely to be impacted?
It's too early at this time to determine if there will be any impact to the U.S. from the tropical waves.
Forecasters urge all residents to continue monitoring the tropics and to always be prepared.
Weather watches and warnings issued in Florida
When is the Atlantic hurricane season?
The Atlantic hurricane season runs from June 1 through Nov. 30.
When is the peak of hurricane season?
The peak of the season is Sept. 10, with the most activity happening between mid-August and mid-October, according to the Hurricane Center.
Tropical forecast over the next seven days
Excessive rainfall forecast
What's out there?
Systems currently being monitored by the National Hurricane Center.
What's next?
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This article originally appeared on The Daytona Beach News-Journal: Busiest part of hurricane season begins but Atlantic Ocean calm for now
