Tropical activity is increasing in the Atlantic

HUNTSVILLE, Ala. (WHNT) — We are nearing the peak of the hurricane season and the tropics are starting to become a bit more active.

In previous weeks, the tropics have been quiet but the warmer-than-average sea surface temperatures and weak wind shear, rotating of the winds, will allow tropical systems to develop.

The National Hurricane Center (NHC) is currently monitoring three areas of disorganized showers and storms for future development. The area that has the greatest chance for development in the next seven days is the area highlighted in orange. A favorable environment in the Caribbean has led to the NHC giving this area a 40% chance of development in the next seven days.

September is typically the most active month for tropical development in the Atlantic Basin. The area where systems are most likely to form would be in the central and western Atlantic Ocean.

With the peak of the hurricane season approaching, mid-September, tropical development is likely in the coming weeks.

The normal season runs from June 1 through November 30. So far there have been five named storms in the Atlantic Basin, the strongest being major hurricane Berryl. Beryl had maximum winds of 165 mph, becoming the earliest category-five hurricane on record

Stick with the Weather Authority for the latest as tropical systems continue to develop.

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