Written by WASHINGTON (AP) – The National Hurricane Center is monitoring two tropical disturbances in the Atlantic Ocean for possible development as the basin moves deeper into August and toward the traditional peak of hurricane season.
Neither disturbance poses an immediate threat to the United States, and forecasters say environmental conditions could limit development in the near term.
The first tropical wave was located several hundred miles southwest of the Cabo Verde Islands on Saturday evening. The disturbance was forecast to continue moving generally westward across the central tropical Atlantic.
Forecasters indicated the system had a low chance of developing into a tropical cyclone as strong upper-level winds create an unfavorable environment for organization.
A second tropical wave, expected to move off the west coast of Africa on Tuesday, could have a somewhat better opportunity for development.
The National Hurricane Center said environmental conditions could become more favorable for gradual organization as the system moves westward across the eastern tropical Atlantic. The disturbance had about a 40% chance of tropical cyclone formation during the next seven days.
Saharan dust across portions of the tropical Atlantic could also work against development. Dry, dusty air originating over Africa can suppress thunderstorm activity and make it more difficult for tropical disturbances to organize.
The second wave remains a longer-term system to monitor as it emerges over the Atlantic and encounters changing atmospheric conditions.
ATLANTIC HURRICANE SEASON APPROACHING ITS PEAK
Tropical activity typically increases significantly during August as ocean temperatures warm and atmospheric conditions become more favorable across portions of the Atlantic basin.
The climatological peak of the Atlantic hurricane season occurs around Sept. 10, though tropical storms and hurricanes can develop at any point during the official season, which runs through Nov. 30.
Atlantic tropical activity has been below-average so far this season, according to federal weather officials.
Two named storms — Arthur and Bertha — have developed so far during the 2026 Atlantic hurricane season. Both reached tropcial storm strength.
A tropical disturbance receives a name once it develops into a tropical storm with maximum sustained winds of at least 39 mph.
Forecasters will continue monitoring both Atlantic disturbances over the coming days. Interests across the Atlantic basin should continue following official forecasts as the heart of hurricane season approaches.
At this time, neither disturbance poses an immediate threat to the United States.