Graphical Tropical Outlook.
A broad area of showers and thunderstorms associated with a tropical wave located roughly midway between the Cabo Verde Islands and the Lesser Antilles continues to show signs of organization, according to the latest updates from the National Hurricane Center. This system, identified as AL98, is moving westward to west-northwestward at 15 to 20 mph across the central tropical Atlantic.
Environmental conditions appear conducive for gradual development over the next few days. Meteorologists predict that a tropical depression is likely to form by the early part of this week as the system approaches and potentially moves near or over the Lesser Antilles, including the U.S. Virgin Islands. Residents on these islands are advised to monitor the progress of this system closely, as watches could be issued for portions of the area as soon as later today.
The system is forecast to continue its west-northwestward trajectory and could approach portions of the Greater Antilles by the middle to latter part of this week. The National Hurricane Center has assessed the formation chances of this system as follows:
- Formation chance through 48 hours: Medium, at 60 percent
- Formation chance through 7 days: High, at 90 percent
Given the potential impact on the Lesser and Greater Antilles, residents are urged to stay informed and prepared for possible weather advisories and safety measures that may be implemented in response to the developing system.
