Possible Storm in Atlantic

National Hurricane Center Warns of Possible Tropical Storm Development

The National Hurricane Center (NHC) is monitoring a tropical wave in the central Atlantic with a 50% chance of developing into a tropical cyclone over the next seven days. An "area of disturbed weather" near the Leeward Islands and Greater Antilles is expected to interact with an approaching tropical wave, with conditions favorable for development. A tropical depression could form near the northern Leeward Islands, Greater Antilles, or southeastern Bahamas by mid-to-late week.

Meteorologists attribute the recent lack of hurricane activity to plumes of dust from the Sahara and dry air, but expect an increase in storms as these conditions subside and ocean temperatures rise.

"Especially with La Niña starting to develop we're going to be seeing a lot more tropical systems developing here," AccuWeather Senior Meteorologist Alan Reppert told USA TODAY. "We did predict that there would be at least some break here until the early part of August when we start to see more chances and more threats for development."

The Atlantic hurricane season runs from June 1 to November 30, with peak activity usually occurring between mid-August and mid-October.

References:

• Hurricane season isn't over: Tropical disturbance spotted in Atlantic
• Gabe Hauari, @GabeHauari, USA TODAY, Gdhauari@gannett.com.