Lesser Antilles on alert for one of two new tropical Atlantic concerns

By Kristina Pydynowski, Senior Meteorologist

August 22,2016; 9:54PM,EDT

 

 

While Tropical Depression Fiona will continue to weaken through early week, two new tropical concerns are being monitored for development in the Atlantic Ocean.
The tropical disturbance west of Africa and a broad tropical low in the central Atlantic Ocean could brew into tropical depressions or storms this week.
The latter may do so as it approaches or reaches the eastern Caribbean Sea, crossing the Lesser Antilles in the process around the middle of the week.
The next two tropical storms in the Atlantic Basin would acquire the names "Gaston" and "Hermine," respectively.

The tropical low is currently disorganized as it battles dry air. However, the low could become better organized as it approaches the Caribbean and the environment becomes more conducive for development.
Even if the low fails to develop prior to reaching the Lesser Antilles, an uptick in showers can still be expected.
"Conditions will deteriorate Tuesday night into Wednesday [across the Lesser Antilles] as clouds increase first, followed by numerous showers and a couple of thunderstorms," AccuWeather Meteorologist Eric Leister said.
"The most persistent rainfall looks to be for the islands north of Saint Lucia," he said.
The frequency of downpours, gusty winds and rough surf will increase if the low strengthens to a tropical depression or storm.
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If the low remains weak, it would likely track more into the central islands of the Lesser Antilles with a continued westward track through the Caribbean Sea.
A stronger system may track more to the northwest than west, targeting more of the Leeward Islands and then Puerto Rico and Hispaniola.
The mountainous terrain of Hispaniola could then cause the system to lose some steam if it attempts to track toward the Bahamas.

The tropical feature off the African coast could rival the low to become the next depression or storm in the Atlantic Basin.
This system will likely curve into the open waters of the central Atlantic Ocean and pose a risk to shipping operations.

Rain squalls will graze the Cabo Verde Islands on Monday.
Fiona reached its peak intensity this past weekend and will continue to weaken early this week.
It is possible that Fiona or its moisture could combine with a front set to push off the east coast of the United States and increase shower activity across Bermuda later in the week.