Tropics heat up ahead of peak hurricane season

The Atlantic hurricane season peaks on September 10. Ahead of that peak, the tropics are becoming much more active, even without Category 2 hurricane Dorian, which is no longer a threat to Southwest Florida.

First, Tropical Storm Gabrielle is maintaining its strength as a 50 miles per hour tropical storm in the east-central Atlantic Ocean. The storm is expected to meander northwest over the next few days before a sharp turn toward the northeast is expected.

Second, there is an area of low pressure northeast of Bermuda producing showers and thunderstorms. As this system moves northeast further, no significant development is expected. The National Hurricane Center gives it a low chance of development (30%) over the next 2-5 days.

Third, there is a trough of low pressure about 500 miles east of the Leeward Islands. Development of this system is extremely low over the next 2-5 days (10%) as it slowly moves northwest into unfavorable conditions.

Fourth, the WINK News Weather Authority team is monitoring a tropical wave that emerged off the African coast yesterday. As it moves westward through the Atlantic Ocean, gradual development is possible as conditions become more conducive for development. The National Hurricane Center gives it a low chance (10%) over the next 2 days and a medium chance (50%) over the next 5 days of becoming a tropical depression by early next week.