Tropical Weather Update: National Hurricane Center Monitoring Two Areas for Possible Development
The National Hurricane Center is continuing to monitor two areas of disturbed weather across the Atlantic Basin. At this time, neither system poses an immediate threat to North Carolina, and both have a low chance of tropical development.
Eastern Tropical Atlantic
A broad area of low pressure associated with a tropical wave is located a few hundred miles southeast of the Cabo Verde Islands. The system continues to produce disorganized showers and thunderstorms while moving west-northwest at 10 to 15 mph.
Some slow development is possible over the next day or so. However, forecasters expect the system to encounter less favorable atmospheric conditions this weekend, which should prevent additional strengthening.
Current development probabilities are:
- 10% chance of tropical development during the next 48 hours.
- 10% chance of tropical development over the next seven days.
Northeastern Gulf
The National Hurricane Center is also watching the northeastern Gulf, where an area of low pressure is expected to develop this weekend.
The system could slowly organize while remaining over the northeastern Gulf or drifting northeast toward the southeastern U.S. coastline early next week. At this time, development is expected to be gradual, and the odds of formation remain low.
Current development probabilities are:
- Near 0% chance of tropical development during the next 48 hours.
- 20% chance of tropical development over the next seven days.
What This Means for North Carolina
There are no immediate tropical threats to North Carolina from either of these systems. While the Gulf disturbance bears watching because of its proximity to the southeastern United States, forecast confidence remains low, and significant tropical development is not expected in the short term.
As always, Rowan County Weather will continue to monitor both systems and provide updates if the forecast changes or if either area shows signs of becoming more organized.
