Storm tracker: Hurricane forecasters eye tropical waves and more
A tropical wave is a system of low pressure that moves westward across the tropics. Waves can lead to the formation of tropical cyclones, under the right conditions, according to the National Weather Service.
The majority of tropical cyclones develop out of tropical waves, which also are called easterly waves, according to NOAA.
The National Hurricane Center said other than the two tropical waves, there are no tropical disturbances in the Atlantic basin and no tropical cyclone activity is expected during the next seven days.
'We need to watch the Gulf'
Of potentially more concern comes from computer models, some of which show a potential disturbance in the Gulf of America, formerly known as Gulf of Mexico, in early June. "We need to watch the Gulf in 10 days, or so, as a weakness in the subtropical ridge finally allows a tropical disturbance to lift north," said meteorologist Ryan Maue of WeatherTrader.com on X on Tuesday. "The Gulf is now plenty warm for a tropical storm."
The first named storm of the 2025 season will be Andrea.
Another meteorologist, Andy Hazelton of the University of Miami, said on X Tuesday, "Most likely, it'll just be a strung out mess, but either way lots of tropical moisture will come north and hopefully help alleviate some of the still-ongoing drought in Florida."
How many named storms are in an average hurricane season?
Named storms: 14
Hurricanes: 7
Major hurricanes: 3
NOAA predicting 13-19 named storms for 2025 hurricane season
NOAA is predicting a 60% chance of an above-normal season, a 30% chance of a near-normal season and a 10% chance for a below-normal season.
More: All your questions about the 2025 hurricane season answered
Forecasters predict:
Named storms: 13-19
Hurricanes: 6-10
Major hurricanes: 3-5
A major hurricane is a Category 3 storm or higher, with maximum sustained winds of at least 111 mph.
More: Tropical Storm Alvin brewing in the eastern Pacific Ocean, hurricane forecasters say
When is hurricane season?
The Atlantic hurricane season starts June 1 and ends Nov. 30.
Contributing: C. A. Bridges and Cheryl McCloud, USA TODAY NETWORK - Florida
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Daily Mail
an hour ago
- Daily Mail
Scorching 'heat dome' descends over usually mild states as NWS warns of record temperatures
The Pacific Northwest is set to break record temperatures this week due to a 'heat dome' parked over several states. The National Weather Service (NWS) in Spokane said the mercury would soar into the high 90s and the low 100s. A heat dome is a high-pressure area with hot air trapped inside, making the area even hotter. An extreme heat warning was in place for parts of eastern Washington until 9pm on Tuesday, with advisories covering half of the state. Other areas of Oregon and even parts of Northern California were also expected to be hit by the heat. In their advisory, the NWS said there would be 'very little relief at night', and urged people to stay out of the sun. They added: 'Do not leave young children and pets in unattended vehicles. Car interiors will reach lethal temperatures in a matter of minutes.' Alongside the stifling temperatures, low humidity and winds of up to 30mph have also raised concerns of potential wildfires. Temperatures started to rise over the weekend, with a record breaking temperature of 90 degrees being recorded in Seattle, the NWS said. The last record held was a temperature of 87 degrees that was set in 1948 and last reached in 2015. Seattle also broke its record high minimum temperature, with the mercury only dropping to 61 degrees, again breaking a record from 1958. Temperatures got so high that North King County published a list of cooling sites for those struggling in the heat over the weekend. According to the Energy Information Administration only 30 percent of homes in Washington state have air conditioning. The advisory had also advised to stay clear of snow-fed rivers that remain frigid, with the potential for cold shock still a worry despite the high heat. It added: 'Early season warm-ups like this, especially overlapping with the weekend, tend to elevate the number of people seeking relief in area waters. 'We're still early in the season and waters are still running cold and fast and we've already had cold water-related fatalities this year.' The dome was formed by a ridge of high pressure that managed to push the jet stream north into Canada, moving inclement weather away from the area. The hot weather is expected to ease off on Wednesday as a ridge of high pressure moves across the area. As the Pacific Northwest cooked, the southern Plains and the southeast were hit with days of wet and windy weather. Rain has soaked parts of the region from New Mexico and Texas to parts of Northern Florida and Georgia, the weather service said. In 2021 an extreme heat wave affected much of the North West of America, bringing with it scorching temperatures. During this temperatures broke daily records in some locales by 54 degrees, while Canada's highest ever temperature 121.3 was recorded in Lytton, British Columbia.
The Herald Scotland
16 hours ago
- The Herald Scotland
NHC tracks tropical storms Barbara and Cosme in the Pacific
Barbara is "near hurricane strength," but there are no coastal watches or warnings in effect, the NHC stated Monday morning. Tropical Storm Barbara is expected to dissipate in the ocean by Tuesday night, while Tropical Storm Cosme is expected to dissipate by Wednesday morning. Another area of low pressure off the coast of Mexico is expected to develop into a tropical depression later this week as "environmental conditions appear conducive for some gradual development of this system," according to the NWS. Weather: Severe thunderstorms threaten millions with wicked weather Pacific storm tracker This forecast track shows the most likely path of the center of the storm. It does not illustrate the full width of the storm or its impacts, and the center of the storm is likely to travel outside the cone up to 33% of the time. How do hurricanes form? Hurricanes are born in the tropics, above warm water. Clusters of thunderstorms can develop over the ocean when water temperatures exceed 80 degrees Fahrenheit. If conditions are right, the clusters swirl into a storm known as a tropical wave or tropical depression. A tropical depression becomes a named tropical storm once its sustained wind speeds reach 39 miles per hour. When its winds reach 74 mph, the storm officially becomes a hurricane. Prepare now for hurricanes Delaying potentially life-saving preparations could mean waiting until it's too late. "Get your disaster supplies while the shelves are still stocked, and get that insurance checkup early, as flood insurance requires a 30-day waiting period," NOAA recommends. Develop an evacuation plan : If you are at risk from hurricanes, you need an evacuation plan. Now is the time to begin planning where you would go and how you would get there. : If you are at risk from hurricanes, you need an evacuation plan. Now is the time to begin planning where you would go and how you would get there. Assemble disaster supplies : Whether you're evacuating or sheltering-in-place, you're going to need supplies not just to get through the storm but for the potentially lengthy aftermath, NOAA said. : Whether you're evacuating or sheltering-in-place, you're going to need supplies not just to get through the storm but for the potentially lengthy aftermath, NOAA said. Get an insurance checkup and document your possessions : Contact your insurance company or agent now and ask for an insurance check-up to make sure you have enough insurance to repair or even replace your home and/or belongings. Remember, home and renters insurance doesn't cover flooding, so you'll need a separate policy for it. Flood insurance is available through your company, agent, or the National Flood Insurance Program. Act now, as flood insurance requires a 30-day waiting period. : Contact your insurance company or agent now and ask for an insurance check-up to make sure you have enough insurance to repair or even replace your home and/or belongings. Remember, home and renters insurance doesn't cover flooding, so you'll need a separate policy for it. Flood insurance is available through your company, agent, or the National Flood Insurance Program. Act now, as flood insurance requires a 30-day waiting period. Create a family communication plan : NOAA said to take the time now to write down your hurricane plan, and share it with your family. Determine family meeting places, and make sure to include an out-of-town location in case of evacuation. : NOAA said to take the time now to write down your hurricane plan, and share it with your family. Determine family meeting places, and make sure to include an out-of-town location in case of evacuation. Strengthen your home: Now is the time to improve your home's ability to withstand hurricane impacts. Trim trees; install storm shutters, accordion shutters, and/or impact glass; seal outside wall openings. Contributing: Jay Cannon, USA TODAY Julia is a trending reporter for USA TODAY. Connect with her on LinkedIn,X, Instagram and TikTok: @juliamariegz, or email her at jgomez@
Daily Mail
a day ago
- Daily Mail
First hurricane of 2025 forms
Meteorologists tracking two storms in the Pacific Ocean warned one has become the first hurricane of 2025. Storm Barbara reached wind speeds of 75mph on Monday, designating it as a hurricane. The National Hurricane Center is monitoring Barbara as it moves along the southwestern region of Mexico, about 155 miles southwest of Manzanillo, at around 10mph. Swells produced by Barbara are expected to impact parts of the southwestern Mexican coastline over the coming days, which are likely to cause dangerous surf and life-threatening rip current conditions, warned the NHC. The NHC predicted up to four inches of rain for Guerrero, Michoacan, Colima and Jalisco through Monday, warning that flooding and mudslides are possible. Tropical Storm Cosme formed Sunday afternoon, and as of Monday, it is producing 65mph winds. A storm needs to have sustained winds of 74mph to be classified as a hurricane. AccuWeather Lead Hurricane Forecaster Alex DaSilva said: ' The Eastern Pacific has come alive with tropical storms already 'This has been a much faster start to the season than the historically slow start in 2024.' It was until the Fourth of July that the first named storm developed in the Pacific last year. Historically, the second named storm forms around June 24, the third by July 6, and the fourth by July 15. This year, Tropical Storm Cosme is expected to strengthen near hurricane status by Monday before turning northeast and accelerating Tuesday into Wednesday. Cosme is expected to reach near-hurricane strength on Monday before turning to the northeast and picking up speed Tuesday into Wednesday. NHC has a third area already given a 60 percent shot at taking on the fourth named storm of the Pacific hurricane season through the next week. The fourth name on their list is Dalila. The first, which formed on June 1, was Tropical Storm Alvin that dissipated before reaching hurricane status. The activity in the Pacific stands in stark contrast to the quiet Atlantic basin, which is still awaiting its first named tropical storm of the season. It also brings dry air and strong wind shear, both of which hinder storm development. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) is predicting an 'above-average' Atlantic hurricane season. Officials expect more named storms than in 2024, when 18 were recorded. This year, NOAA forecasts up to 19 named storms, 10 hurricanes and five major hurricanes. 'We've got to convince people of the danger,' said Ken Graham, director of NOAA's National Weather Service. 'Every Category 5 hurricane that has ever hit this country was a tropical storm or less just three days prior.' Graham urged residents to prepare early by tocking up on essentials like gas, water and emergency supplies before long lines form in a real crisis. Laura Grimm, NOAA's chief of staff, emphasized the agency's track record: 'Our prediction for 2024 was right on the money.'
