Atlantic tropical waves monitored for potential development

The National Hurricane Center is monitoring two tropical waves in the Atlantic that show potential for development as the hurricane season enters its typically more active period in August.

A second tropical wave, expected to emerge from the west coast of Africa early this week, has been assigned a development chance ranging from 40% to 50% over the next seven days. Forecasters suggest a tropical depression could form during the latter half of the week as the system moves westward across the central Atlantic.

A first disturbance, located west-southwest of the Cabo Verde Islands, currently has a lower development probability, cited between 20% and 30% over the next seven days. While development is possible in the early to middle part of the week, increasing wind shear and dust near the Lesser Antilles may make conditions less favorable later in the week.

Currently, neither system poses an immediate threat to Florida, the U.S. East Coast, or the Caribbean. The 2026 season has remained relatively quiet with only two named storms, Arthur and Bertha, partly due to El Niño conditions, but meteorologists advise continued vigilance as the climatological peak approaches in September.