As the Atlantic hurricane season enters its final weeks, forecasters are keeping a close eye on two developing systems—one in the tropical Atlantic heading toward the Caribbean, and another in the North Atlantic that’s gaining some tropical characteristics.
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🔍 Caribbean on Alert for Possible Late-Season Development
A broad area of disturbed weather that moved off the coast of Africa earlier this week is now trekking westward across the central Atlantic. The National Hurricane Center has flagged this system for possible gradual development as it approaches the southeastern Caribbean by late weekend or early next week.
Forecasts suggest that by the time the disturbance nears the Windward Islands on Sunday or Monday, conditions may begin to support organization. If it holds together through early next week, it could strengthen in the central or southern Caribbean, where water temperatures remain very warm—an important fuel source for tropical systems.
Meteorologists caution that it’s too early to predict the system’s exact path or intensity. If it becomes a named storm, it would be called Melissa, marking the 13th named storm of the 2025 Atlantic season.
🌊 North Atlantic system may briefly show tropical traits
Meanwhile, a second system in the North Atlantic is drawing attention—a non-tropical low-pressure system located several hundred miles east of the U.S. Northeast coast. The NHC notes that although it’s not a tropical storm, it could acquire some subtropical or tropical features in the coming days as it moves over relatively warm waters.
Despite this potential, the system is forecast to drift away from land and poses no immediate threat to coastal areas. Its chances for full development remain low, but it’s being monitored as part of routine late-season surveillance.
🌀 Seasonal context
With the official end of the Atlantic hurricane season still more than a month away—on November 30—the current activity serves as a reminder that the tropics aren’t completely quiet just yet. Historically, October and early November have produced impactful storms, especially in the Caribbean basin.
Forecasters will continue to track these systems closely and encourage residents in hurricane-prone areas to stay updated, especially as the Caribbean disturbance moves closer to potentially favorable conditions.