Tropical Storm Dorian is Born in the Eastern Atlantic

By Alex Sosnowski, Expert Senior Meteorologist

July 24,2013; 6:20PM,EDT

 

 

 

The large tropical wave of low pressure that moved off Africa on Sunday strengthened into Tropical Depression Four on Wednesday morning.
The depression then strengthened further into Tropical Storm Dorian before 11 a.m. EDT Wednesday.
However, much of the tropical Atlantic was being influenced by dry air and dust this week. Dry air tends to work against further tropical organization.

As we have seen in the past, sometimes these systems, especially the larger ones, can overcome the surrounding dry air. However, the system would have a better chance of development through the middle of the week, rather than late in the week.
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Tropical Atlantic Satellite
Tropical Storm Dorian to Approach Leewards This Weekend
"As the feature continues to drift on a slightly north of west course, it is likely to encounter a zone of increasingly disruptive winds at midlevels of the atmosphere this week," Kottlowski said.
At present course and speed, the system would be near the Leeward Islands this weekend and could brush some of the northern islands of the Caribbean next week as a topical storm. Even if it does not maintain its strength, the system could bring a period enhanced showers and thunderstorms to these islands.