Weather Systems Ramp Up In Atlantic; Gulf Of Mexico Braces For Potential Development

[The Virgin Islands Consortium] Multiple systems continue to form both in the Atlantic and the Gulf of Mexico, according to the National Hurricane Center. Those in areas of potential impact, including the Caribbean region, are advised to monitor the systems’ progress.

Eastern Tropical Atlantic (AL98): A broad area of low pressure a few hundred miles west of the Cabo Verde Islands is exhibiting increasing signs of organization, as showers and thunderstorms gain momentum. Environmental conditions seem favorable for its development into a tropical depression over the weekend. The system is predicted to traverse in a west-northwest or northwest direction at about 10 mph across the eastern tropical Atlantic. By next week, however, forecasts suggest that the upper-level winds will intensify, limiting any further development.

• 48-hour formation chance: Medium at 50%.
• 7-day formation chance: High at 70%.

Central Tropical Atlantic (AL99): An elongated trough of low pressure, located over 1000 miles west-southwest of the Cabo Verde Islands, is generating some disorganized showers and thunderstorms. The environmental backdrop appears marginally favorable for this system to develop into a tropical depression in the coming days, with its movement projected to be west-northwestward at 10 to 15 mph across the central tropical Atlantic. However, subsequent upper-level winds are anticipated to be unfavorable for its progression.

• 48-hour and 7-day formation chance: Medium at 40%.

East-Southeast of the Lesser Antilles: Potential developments are on the horizon as an elongated trough of low pressure situates several hundred miles to the east-southeast of the Lesser Antilles. Some gradual development of this system is anticipated over the weekend and into the early part of next week, with its path slated generally west-northwestward at 10 to 15 mph across the Lesser Antilles and into the northeastern Caribbean Sea.

• 48-hour formation chance: Low at 10%.
• 7-day formation chance: Low at 20%.

Western Gulf of Mexico: The Gulf of Mexico is on alert as disturbed weather, currently north of Hispaniola, is expected to enter its waters by the beginning of next week. There are indications that a broad area of low pressure may form in the region. This system might experience a gradual development as it charts a westward journey, approaching the western Gulf of Mexico coastline by mid-next week.

• 48-hour formation chance: Nearly 0%.
• 7-day formation chance: Low at 30%.

Residents and officials in the affected areas are urged to keep a close eye on these systems and remain prepared for any eventualities.