Watching the Tropics: Two Disturbances and What They Could Mean for the Carolinas

As we move deeper into August, the Atlantic hurricane season is starting to show signs of life. The National Hurricane Center’s latest update from 2:00 AM on Wednesday, August 6, 2025, highlights three active systems — including two areas of interest that could potentially develop in the coming days.

Tropical Storm Dexter remains active in the northwestern Atlantic and is no threat to the Carolinas. It continues to track northeast, staying well offshore.

However, two other disturbances are drawing closer attention:

1. Off the Southeastern U.S. Coast
A weak surface trough located several hundred miles off the southeast U.S. coastline is producing scattered showers and storms. Over the next day or so, a low-pressure system is expected to form, and conditions appear favorable for gradual development. The system could drift westward before slowly turning north or northeast by the weekend.

• Formation chance through 48 hours: 10 percent

• Formation chance through 7 days: 40 percent

This system does not currently pose a direct threat to North Carolina, but it could influence our weather pattern if it develops close enough or interacts with the existing wedge setup.

2. Central Tropical Atlantic
A tropical wave over the eastern Atlantic is producing disorganized showers and storms. As it moves west-northwest over the next few days, environmental conditions could become more favorable for development, and a tropical depression could form later this week or over the weekend.

• Formation chance through 48 hours: 10 percent

• Formation chance through 7 days: 50 percent

This system is still far out to sea and poses no immediate concern for the U.S., but its projected path and organization will be something to monitor closely into next week.

What This Means for Rowan County
There is no immediate threat from either disturbance, but we are entering the heart of hurricane season. These types of systems can change quickly depending on steering patterns, water temperatures, and nearby atmospheric features.

Rowan County Weather will continue tracking both systems and provide updates if the forecast track shifts or development increases.

For now, it’s a good reminder to check your preparedness plans, make sure your emergency kits are up to date, and stay weather-aware as we head through August and into peak tropical season.