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There are currently two weather systems looking to form in the tropical Atlantic, with both expected to become tropical depressions in the coming days.
The first, whose current trajectory takes it north of the Leeward Islands (projection could change), is a tropical wave and area of low pressure located over the eastern tropical Atlantic. The system continues to produce a large area of disorganized showers and thunderstorms, according to the National Hurricane Center's 2:00 a.m. forecast. "Gradual development of this system is expected while it moves westward to west-northwestward, and a tropical depression is likely to form in the next day or two as the system reaches the central tropical Atlantic," N.H.C. said.
N.H.C. gave the storm an 80 percent chance of development in the next 48 hours, and 90 percent in five days.
The other system has yet to leave the coast of Africa, but it is already expected to develop into a tropical depression with an 80 percent chance of development in the next five days, and 30 percent in 48 hours when it moves over to the eastern Atlantic today.
N.H.C.'s 2:00 a.m. forecast of the system says, "Gradual development of this system is then expected, and a tropical depression is likely to form by the middle of next week while it moves generally westward over the far eastern tropical Atlantic."
September is historically a busy month for hurricanes, and interests in the Caribbean and the North American east coast are encouraged to keep a wary eye on developments.
N.H.C. recently issued a message urging preparedness. "Preparedness is everything when you start thinking about the hurricane season," said Ken Graham, director of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's National Hurricane Center in Miami, Fla. "So think about those hazards that stretch well outside that center, well outside the cone."
Mr. Graham said historically water has killed the most people in tropical systems. "So storm surge and that rainfall inland, that's what we got to protect ourselves from."
He added, "Don't forget it's also about the wind and it's also about those tornadoes so knowing your risks, having a plan to mitigate those risks, that's how we stay together in Hurricane Season 2020."
