Latest news with #NHC
Yahoo
a day ago
- Climate
- Yahoo
National Hurricane Center watching stormy area in Atlantic, Florida under heat advisory
The odds of an area of disorganized weather developing in the Atlantic increased slightly moving into July 21, but forecasters say environmental conditions will slow any further development by midweek. Floridians should probably worry more about the heat dome threatening to break heat records across the South. "Environmental conditions are marginally conducive, and any development should be slow to occur while the system moves generally west-northwestward at 10 to 15 mph." the National Hurricane Center said in their Tropical Weather Outlook, which currently gives the area a 20% chance of development over the next week. The NHC is also tracking two tropical waves in the Caribbean. ➤Florida flips from watching tropics to trying to stay cool. Heat advisory issued ➤ Weather alerts via text: Sign up to get updates about current storms and weather events by location The next named storm of the 2025 Atlantic hurricane season will be Dexter. Historically, the fourth named storm of the Atlantic hurricane season arrives Aug. 15. The last two named storms of the season — Barry and Chantal — developed earlier than normal. Heat index alert: Weather watches and warnings issued in Florida Meanwhile the blazing heat continues in the Sunshine State, with an expanding heat dome spreading across the Deep South to the Mississippi and Ohio Valleys, National Weather Service forecasters said. As of July 21, the entire state is under a heat advisory and roughly two-thirds of Florida from the Panhandle down into Central and Southwest regions may be facing major heat risks. There's a heat advisory for North Florida and the Panhandle (and parts of southeast Alabama and southern Georgia) running from 11 a.m. ET through 7 p.m. with heat index values up to 112 expected. Advisories for Central, Southwest and South Florida are scheduled for noon through 6 p.m., with heat index values up to 112 possible. Be careful going outside If you have to, and stay hydrated. Here's the latest advisory from the National Hurricane Center as of 8 a.m. July 21: NOAA Hurricane Center tracks tropical disturbance in Atlantic A tropical wave is located about 900 miles east-southeast of the Lesser Antilles Showers and thunderstorms associated with a small area of low pressure located about 900 miles east-southeast of the Lesser Antilles have increased some during the past several hours. Environmental conditions are generally favorable for some additional development over the next day or so while the system moves west-northwestward at 10 to 15 mph. By the middle of this week, environmental conditions are forecast to become unfavorable for further development. Formation chance through 48 hours: Low, 20 percent Formation chance through 7 days: Low, 20 percent What do the colored, hatched areas on the NOAA map mean? The hatched areas on the National Hurricane Center's tropical outlook map indicate "areas where a tropical cyclone — which could be a tropical depression, tropical storm or hurricane — could develop," said National Hurricane Center Deputy Director Jamie Rhome. The colors make it visibly clear how likely a system could develop, with yellow being low, orange medium, and red high. The National Hurricane Center generally doesn't issue tropical advisories until there is a named storm, but there is an exception. "If a system is near land and there is potential for development, the National Hurricane Center won't wait before it issues advisories, even if the system hasn't become an actual storm. This gives residents time to prepare," Rhome said. Florida weather radar for July 21, 2025 National Weather Service Florida forecast for July 21 : A slight chance of showers and thunderstorms between 1 p.m. and 4 p.m. Sunny, with a high near 93. Heat index values as high as 105. West wind 5 to 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 20%. Tallahassee, central Panhandle: A 30% chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly after 3 p.m. Mostly sunny and hot, with a high near 97. Heat index values as high as 110. Northwest wind around 5 mph. : Showers and thunderstorms likely, mainly after 3 p.m. Some of the storms could produce heavy rainfall. Mostly sunny and hot, with a high near 96. Heat index values as high as 107. West wind 7 to 9 mph. Chance of precipitation is 70%. New rainfall amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible. : Showers and thunderstorms likely, mainly after 2 p m. Some of the storms could produce heavy rainfall. Mostly sunny, with a high near 93. Heat index values as high as 108. West wind around 5 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%. New rainfall amounts between a half and three quarters of an inch possible. : A slight chance of showers and thunderstorms between 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. Mostly sunny, with a high near 88. Heat index values as high as 100. Southwest wind 5 to 10 mph becoming southeast in the afternoon. Chance of precipitation is 20%. : A 30% chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly between 4 p.m and 5 p.m. Sunny, with a high near 92. Heat index values as high as 108. Light and variable wind becoming west northwest 5 to 10 mph in the morning. ➤ How to set up emergency cellphone notifications for flash flood warnings and safety tips ➤ Excessive rainfall forecast What else is happening in the tropics? The National Hurricane Center is tracking two tropical waves. Tropical wave 1: An eastern Atlantic tropical wave has its axis near 30W from 05N to 18N. It is moving westward at 10 to 15 kt. Scattered moderate convection is seen within 120 nm w of the wave axis from 10N to 12N and within 150 nm east of the wave axis from 12N to 14N. Tropical wave 2: A central Atlantic tropical wave has its axis near 47W from 03N to 17N, part of the area of disturbance mentioned above. Environmental conditions are generally favorable for some additional development of this system over the next day or so while it moves west- northwestward, however, by the middle of this week, environmental conditions are forecast to become unfavorable for further development. AccuWeather said there's also a potential for tropical development off the central coast of the U.S. July 22-25. 2025 hurricane season so far An average Atlantic hurricane season has 14 named storms, seven hurricanes, and three major hurricanes. Here's when this year's named storms have developed, compared to historical averages: Tropical Storm Andrea: formed June 24. Average start date: June 20 Tropical Storm Barry: formed June 29. Average start date: July 17 Tropical Storm Chantal: formed July 5. Average start date: Aug. 3. Next up, Dexter: Average state date: Aug. 15, with the average first hurricane forming Aug. 11. Hurricane names for 2025 season Here are the names for the 2025 Atlantic hurricane season, along with how to pronounce them: Andrea (June 24) Barry (June 29) Chantal (July 5) Dexter: DEHK-ster Erin: AIR-rin Fernand: fair-NAHN Gabrielle: ga-bree-ELL Humberto: oom-BAIR-toh Imelda: ee-MEHL-dah Jerry: JEHR-ee Karen: KAIR-ren Lorenzo: loh-REN-zoh Melissa: meh-LIH-suh Nestor: NES-tor Olga: OAL-guh Pablo: PAHB-lo Rebekah: reh-BEH-kuh Sebastien: se-BAS-tee-en Tanya: TAHN-yuh Van: van Wendy: WEN-dee When is the Atlantic hurricane season? The Atlantic hurricane season runs from June 1 through Nov. 30. Ninety-seven percent of tropical cyclone activity occurs during this time period, NOAA said. The Atlantic basin includes the northern Atlantic Ocean, Caribbean Sea and Gulf of America, as the Gulf of Mexico is now known in the U.S. per an order from President Trump. NOAA and the National Hurricane Center are now using Gulf of America on its maps and in its advisories. When is the peak of hurricane season? National Hurricane Center map: See what forecasters watching now Systems currently being monitored by the National Hurricane Center include: Why does NHC say 'tropical cyclone' on its maps instead of hurricane or tropical storm? Tropical cyclone is the generic term used by the National Weather Service, NOAA and the National Hurricane Center for any tropical system, even if it's in the tropical Atlantic basin. To be more precise, a tropical cyclone is a "rotating, organized system of clouds and thunderstorms that originates over tropical or subtropical waters and has closed, low-level circulation," NOAA sadi. Once maximum sustained winds reach 74 mph, what it is called is determined by where it originated: : for storms in the North Atlantic, central North Pacific, and eastern North Pacific. : for storms in the Northwest Pacific. : for storms in the South Pacific and Indian Ocean. Interactive map: Hurricanes, tropical storms that have passed near your city Stay informed. Get weather alerts via text What's next? We will update our tropical weather coverage daily. Download your local site's app to ensure you're always connected to the news. And look for our special subscription offers here. This article originally appeared on Treasure Coast Newspapers: Hurricane Center increases chances storm development
Newsweek
2 days ago
- Climate
- Newsweek
National Hurricane Center Tracks New Disturbance in Atlantic: What to Know
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. A new disturbance has formed in the central tropical Atlantic, the National Hurricane Center (NHC) in Miami reported on Sunday. The system, known as a tropical wave, is located about 1,000 miles east-southeast of the Lesser Antilles in the Caribbean Sea. It's already producing disorganized showers and thunderstorms as it moves west-northwestward at approximately 10 to 15 miles per hour. As of the NHC's latest forecast, environmental conditions appeared only marginally favorable for further development in the short term, with prospects falling to unlikely by midweek. Newsweek has reached out to the NHC for further comment via email Sunday during non-working hours. Why It Matters While the current disturbance is expected to dissipate before posing a direct threat to land, tracking these systems gives meteorologists and emergency managers time to plan should conditions shift unexpectedly. They are also valuable to residents and governments as they ready their emergency preparedness resources and emergency notification systems. Storm preparedness and recovery has been of national concern following the floods in Texas that killed over 100 people and subsequent flash flooding across the U.S. amid funding cuts to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). What To Know According to the NHC, the disturbance is identifiable as a tropical wave carrying clusters of disorganized showers and thunderstorms in the open Atlantic. A tropical wave is defined by the NHC as "an inverted trough (an elongated area of relatively low pressure) or cyclonic curvature maximum moving east to west across the tropics." These systems "can lead to the formation of a tropical cyclone. Also known as an easterly wave," the NHC cautions. The system is being steered west-northwest by prevailing atmospheric conditions. However, due to increasing wind shear and the potential intrusion of Saharan dust, the likelihood of the system organizing into a tropical depression or storm is currently considered low. The forecast in the NHC's 7-Day Graphical Tropical Weather Outlook, shows the wave track continuing over open water, with no watches or warnings currently in effect for any land areas. The 2025 Atlantic hurricane season, which started June 1, has already seen three named storms: Andrea, Barry and Chantal. National Hurricane Center tropical weather outlook on July 20. National Hurricane Center tropical weather outlook on July 20. National Hurricane Center What People Are Saying Richard Pasch, senior hurricane specialist for the NHC, said in a statement Sunday: "Environmental conditions appear only marginally conducive for development during the next day or so while the system moves west-northwestward at 10 to 15 mph. By the middle of the week, environmental conditions are forecast to become unfavorable for further development." NHC Deputy Director Jamie Rhome told The Daytona Beach News Journal: "If a system is near land and there is potential for development, the National Hurricane Center won't wait before it issues advisories, even if the system hasn't become an actual storm. This gives residents time to prepare." What Happens Next? The NHC and partnering meteorological agencies will continue to monitor the progress of this tropical wave. Updates and outlooks are issued several times daily on the NHC's official website.
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Climate
- Yahoo
Weather Words: Invest
Every named tropical system has to start somewhere, and for many, the early days before a name is even given, it starts as an 'invest.' Short for 'investigation,' an invest is a designated zone in the ocean that the National Hurricane Center (NHC) or other weather agencies are watching for potential tropical development. Once a cluster of thunderstorms shows signs of organization or poses a long-range threat to land or shipping routes, it can be labeled as an invest and assigned a number 90-99 and either the letter L or E (like Invest 92L in the Atlantic or 99E in the eastern Pacific). Assigning an invest doesn't mean a storm will form, but it does signal a shift in attention. It allows computer models to start running dedicated forecasts on that specific area and triggers more frequent satellite analysis and, in some cases, reconnaissance flights - when the hurricane hunters are called in to fly through the storm and collect data. It's basically the meteorological world's way of saying, 'Let's keep a close eye on this one.' While not all invests will become named storms, many are the early chapters of hurricanes that will later dominate the news. For forecasters and weather watchers alike, seeing a new invest pop up is a reminder that hurricane season is here, and preparation may be needed down the road. Jennifer Gray is a weather and climate writer for She has been covering some of the world's biggest weather and climate stories for the last two decades.
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Climate
- Yahoo
Storm tracker: Tropical depression could soon form in the Gulf, bring heavy rain
The National Hurricane Center said on Tuesday, July 15, it is continuing to track a trough of low pressure located off the Atlantic coast of Florida that is "gradually becoming better defined." The system, now designated as Invest 93L, is forecast to move west across the Florida Peninsula Tuesday, then reach the northeastern Gulf by the middle part of this week, hurricane forecasters said. The NHC said environmental conditions appear generally favorable for additional development and that a tropical depression could form by the middle to latter part of this week as the system moves across the northeastern and north-central Gulf. "Regardless of development, heavy rainfall could produce localized flash flooding over portions of Florida through mid-week," the hurricane center said, adding that portions of the north-central Gulf Coast could also see flash flooding during the middle to latter portions of this week. The system currently has a 40% chance for tropical development over the next seven days and a 40% chance over the next 48 hours. Tropical storm chances increase: Chances increase for a tropical storm system off the Florida coast Atlantic 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. Spaghetti models for Invest 93L Illustrations include an array of forecast tools and models, and not all are created equal. The hurricane center uses only the top four or five highest performing models to help make its forecasts. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. Gabe Hauari is a national trending news reporter at USA TODAY. You can follow him on X @GabeHauari or email him at Gdhauari@ This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Storm tracker: Tropical depression could develop in the Gulf Solve the daily Crossword
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Climate
- Yahoo
Officials on alert as tropical system poses serious threat to US coastline: 'Additional development of this system remains possible'
Officials on alert as tropical system poses serious threat to US coastline: 'Additional development of this system remains possible' The National Hurricane Center is monitoring a disturbance in the Gulf of Mexico that could become the fourth named storm of the Atlantic hurricane season. What's happening? Next up on the list is Dexter, though it appears unlikely the name will be given to the system moving west along the Gulf Coast. The chance of a hurricane forming has dropped from 40% to 30%, with the latest NHC analysis projecting significant rain from the west coast of Florida to the easternmost coast of Texas. "Outside of locally higher winds and seas in the strong convection, fresh winds and moderate seas are present with this low," NHC meteorologists wrote Thursday afternoon. "There is a low chance of this system developing into a tropical depression later today or tonight before it moves westward into Louisiana." The biggest threat will be torrential rainfall. As the system slowly moved across Northern Florida on its way to the Gulf, it dumped lots of precipitation on the Sunshine State. High 24-hour rainfall amounts included 9.1 inches in Plant City, 4.9 in Ocala and Port Orange, and 4.7 in New Smyrna Beach. The Weather Prediction Center said the greatest risk (at least 40%) of rainfall leading to flash flooding was for a large area around Lafayette, Louisiana, with a slight risk (at least 15%) stretching from the Florida Panhandle into Texas. Why is a disturbance in the Gulf important? Of the four named tropical storms this year, two have had direct impacts on the United States. Tropical Storm Chantal struck South Carolina in early July, dumping as much as 6 inches of rain in the Palmetto State and 9-12 in North Carolina, where Gov. Josh Stein declared a state of emergency. A couple of days prior, the remnants of Tropical Storm Barry contributed to catastrophic flooding in Kerr County, Texas, and the wider Hill Country. The death toll has climbed to at least 134 people, with more than 160 still missing. Search operations continued nearly two weeks later, with 101 people still missing. Hurricane season began June 1 and stretches to Nov. 30. The nonprofit Climate Central found that the warming world intensified the majority of Atlantic hurricanes from 2019 to 2023 and supercharged every Atlantic hurricane in 2024. What's being done about extreme weather events? The best way to curb the carbon pollution that acts like "steroids for weather," amplifying extreme events, is to transition away from dirty energy toward renewable options. Researchers have developed game-changing technology to pave the way for the smooth integration of clean energy. Learning about critical climate issues and advancements in technology offer hope, and sharing this information with family and friends raises awareness about the problems facing the planet. Supporting organizations and politicians that are fighting for the future of Earth can also make a difference. Do you think your city has good air quality? Definitely Somewhat Depends on the time of year Not at all Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. Join our free newsletter for good news and useful tips, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet. Solve the daily Crossword
