Highlights
- The National Hurricane Center is monitoring an area in the central Atlantic for potential development, designated Invest 98-L.
- Invest 98-L has been given a 90 percent chance of developing into a tropical depression or tropical storm within the next 48 hours.
Enhanced Satellite
Model Tracks: Invest 98-L
(MORE: Heart of the Hurricane Season is Here)
About 825 miles east of the Lesser Antilles is an area of low pressure that is swirling westward at about 20 mph. The National Hurricane Center says that there is a high chance that this system, dubbed Invest 98-L, will develop into a tropical depression or tropical storm early this week.
This system has become better organized on Monday, but satellite wind data suggests that it has not yet developed a fully closed surface circulation. Reports from a buoy on Monday evening indicate that the area of low pressure is producing winds to tropical storm force.
If this storm strengthens into a tropical storm it would be named Erika.
By midweek, this system may move to a position near or north of the Leeward Islands. Just like we saw with Danny, Invest 98-L will have to battle dry air and wind shear nearby as it tries to organize.
(MORE: Hurricane Danny Recap)
After reaching the vicinity of the Leeward Islands, the forecast computer models diverge and show different track scenarios. The exact track will also make a difference in the intensity of this system and if it survives its track westward.
If it takes a more southern track, this would raise the potential for rain and wind impacts in the Lesser Antilles midweek. A track farther north would minimize these impacts.
It's far too early to know at this time what impacts this system may bring to the eastern Caribbean or anywhere else.
Check back with The Weather Channel and weather.com for updates during the week ahead.
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