Miami, FL – A tropical wave is expected to move off the west coast of Africa this week, and forecasters say the system has a chance to develop into a tropical cyclone within the next seven days.
According to the National Hurricane Center (NHC), the wave will enter the eastern Atlantic and could slowly organize as it interacts with another disturbance already in the region. Current forecasts project the system will move west to west-northwest at speeds of 15 to 20 mph.
The NHC reports there is near-zero chance of formation within the next 48 hours. However, the seven-day outlook increases the probability of development to about 20 percent. That means while rapid strengthening is not expected, gradual changes could occur as the system tracks across the Atlantic.
Meteorologists stress that it is too early to determine whether the wave will impact the Caribbean or the U.S. mainland. At this time, forecasters advise residents along the Atlantic basin to monitor updates over the coming week.
Hurricane season remains active through Nov. 30, and October often brings storms that develop from African tropical waves before shifting westward.
