WeatherFanatics: New Tropical Waves Worth Watching in Atlantic

Tuesday, August 12, 2014

New Tropical Waves Worth Watching in Atlantic

By Jordan Root, Meteorologist

August 12,2014; 8:53PM,EDT

The recent quiet pattern that has ruled across the Atlantic may be coming to an end.
A couple tropical waves will be worth watching across the Atlantic through the rest of the week and into the weekend.
The last system to form in the Atlantic was Hurricane Bertha back at the beginning of August.
A cluster of showers and thunderstorms associated with a wave that had formed earlier in the week to the west of the Cape Verde Islands has since weakened.
Although these waves are emerging in the Atlantic at a typically favorable time of the season, dry air and wind shear are hindering any quick development.

As a result, a new system is not likely through the middle of this week. However, more favorable conditions will greet the wave near the Lesser Antilles towards the end of the week.
"If it can hold together as it reaches the Caribbean later this week or this weekend, atmospheric conditions are not as dry and strengthening will be possible," said AccuWeather Senior Meteorologist Bob Smerbeck.
However, there is concern that the dry air and shear may be a little too much to overcome.
"The current hostile environment might weaken or break up what little organization there is to the system," said AccuWeather Hurricane Expert Dan Kottlowski

Even if development into a named tropical system does not occur, unsettled weather with showers and thunderstorms will disrupt travel and plans in the northeast Caribbean this weekend.
Another tropical wave is expected to emerge from Africa into the Atlantic during the middle of the week. This wave will also endure the same dry air and wind shear that has limited development across the region much of the season.
However, if the wave is able to survive the early challenge, it too could have the potential to develop into something more.
Only two systems have formed in the Atlantic so far this season. Arthur came to life on July 1 while Bertha formed on Aug. 1.
If one of the waves were to form into a named system, it would acquire the name Cristobal.
AccuWeather.com meteorologists will continue to monitor both tropical waves through the week.
RELATED:
AccuWeather.com Hurricane Center: Track, Official Advisories
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Historic Iselle Dumps Heavy Rain, Brings Strong Winds to Hawaii
While the Atlantic has been relatively quiet, the Pacific has endured a rather active period.
Iselle brought heavy rain and gusty winds to portions of Hawaii last week. Julio continues to churn north of Hawaii, although no direct interaction with Hawaii is expected. Tropical Depression 11-E has formed just south of Mexico in the eastern Pacific.
Meteorologist Eric Leister contributed to this story.

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