JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – In the tropical Atlantic, Tropical Storm Jerry has recently formed and is being tracked closely by the National Hurricane Center.
Jerry is located well east of the Lesser Antilles and is forecast to move west‑northwestward, gradually strengthening. It is expected to become a hurricane later this week, though the steering currents should keep it over open water for now.
The storm is forecast to pass the Leeward Islands and Puerto Rico before it heads toward Bermuda.
As for Jacksonville? We’re in the clear—there’s no threat to us at this time. That’s something I always like to say with a grateful heart, especially as we get deeper into hurricane season and start looking more toward the Gulf and the Caribbean for storm development. But for now, nothing is on our doorstep.
Closer to land, forecasters are also keeping an eye on a trough of low pressure over the Yucatán Peninsula. This system is producing disorganized showers and thunderstorms, and may emerge over the Bay of Campeche. While environmental conditions are only marginally favorable, some slow development is possible before it moves inland over southern Mexico later in the week.
In the eastern Pacific, Tropical Storm Priscilla has formed off Mexico’s southwestern coast. Its tropical storm-force winds currently extend far from its center—up to 140 miles—and it’s moving slowly northwestward. A tropical storm watch is in effect for parts of the Mexican coastline, with further strengthening expected as it parallels the coast.
With autumn advancing, the tropics will remain active, and any new areas of disturbed weather will draw close scrutiny. In particular, moisture surges, warm sea surface temperatures, and evolving upper-level wind patterns may help disturbances spin up more rapidly than expected. Communities in hurricane-prone regions should stay alert to official NHC updates.