Storm tracker: Disturbance east of Caribbean expected to weaken, forecasters say
As of the center's July 21 midday report, there are showers and thunderstorms associated with an area of low pressure hundreds of miles east-southeast of the Lesser Antilles, with a 10% chance it will form into a tropical cyclone in the next 48 hours. The disturbance was set to move west at about 15 miles per hour, forecasters said, but conditions are expected to prevent further formation in the coming days.
Chances of it strengthening into a cyclone within the next week are similarly low, forecasters say, also at about 10%.
"Although the wave is still producing disorganized showers and thunderstorms, environmental conditions are not expected to be conducive for development during the next few days," the July 21 update said.
The Atlantic hurricane season officially began on June 1 and will last through the end of November. Active hurricane weather typically peaks between mid-August and mid-October.
Atlantic hurricane season storm tracker
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 reaches 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.
Kathryn Palmer is a national trending news reporter for USA TODAY. You can reach her atkapalmer@usatoday.com and on X @KathrynPlmr.
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