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The National Hurricane Center (NHC) is currently monitoring three tropical waves across the Atlantic Ocean, an early indication of the upcoming hurricane season’s activity.
One of these waves is situated off the coast of Africa, marking an unusually early appearance for this region, which typically sees such developments later in the season around August and September.
Tropical Waves Being Monitored:1. Cape Verde Islands Wave: • Location: East of the Cape Verde Islands. • Movement: Westward at 15 to 20 knots. • Convection: Scattered moderate convection from 01N to 08N between 20W and 30W. 2. Central Atlantic Wave: • Location: Central Atlantic from 01N to 08N with an axis near 49W. • Movement: Westward at 15 knots. • Convection: Moderate convection from 00N to 08N between 48W and 58W. 3. Central Caribbean Wave: • Location: South of 21N near 74W. • Movement: Westward at 10 to 15 knots. • Impact: Scattered showers across Hispaniola and adjacent waters.
Regional Impacts:• Gulf of Mexico: • A weak surface ridge is causing gentle to moderate southeast winds. Haze from agricultural fires in Central America is reducing visibility to 3 nautical miles or less. • Caribbean Sea: • High pressure and a tropical wave are generating fresh to locally strong trade winds. Seas are generally 3 to 7 feet, with visibility reduced by smoke from agricultural fires. • Atlantic Ocean: • The Bermuda High is causing moderate to fresh southwest winds, except for moderate to fresh northeasterly to easterly winds in the northeastern sector.
Forecast:
The NHC forecasts that these tropical waves will continue their westward paths, bringing scattered showers and thunderstorms. While current models do not indicate significant development, the presence of these early-season waves highlights the need for preparedness.
“This early activity is a reminder of how warm the Atlantic waters are and how the tropics are starting to wake up,” commented Eric Burris, a meteorologist with WESH. “While models aren’t predicting development for these waves, their early appearance suggests we might be in for an active season.”
Residents in coastal areas are advised to stay informed and review their emergency plans as the hurricane season approaches.
