As hurricane season approaches its peak, the National Hurricane Center (NHC) is monitoring several disturbances for potential tropical development. One area of interest is in the Gulf of Mexico where a tropical depression could form by the beginning of next week. While the chances of development remain low at 20%, environmental conditions such as warm sea surface temperatures could increase the risk of future activity. However, a thick plume of Saharan dust over the Gulf may work against any potential tropical pop-ups.

In the Atlantic, two other disturbances are being watched. One is near the Cabo Verde islands and has favorable conditions for development, with a 30% chance of becoming a tropical depression in the next 48 hours and a 50% chance in the next seven days. The other disturbance is a tropical wave moving off the west coast of Africa, but environmental conditions are currently unfavorable for development.

The peak of hurricane season is set to begin on September 10 and run through November 30. Forecasters at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration have already increased their predictions for the number of named storms in the 2023 hurricane season. As always, it is important to stay informed and prepared during hurricane season.