Introduction to Hurricane Season
After a quiet two-month start to hurricane season, the tropics have suddenly come alive; Tropical Storm Dexter formed late Sunday night and the National Hurricane Center is watching two other systems for potential development.
Current Storm: Tropical Storm Dexter
Tropical Storm Dexter was about 250 miles northwest of Bermuda on Monday morning and moving toward the northeast away from land, forecasters said. As of 11 a.m., its maximum sustained winds were at 45 mph and it was moving at 14 mph. Dexter’s tropical-storm-force winds were extended out up to 105 miles from the center.
The storm is forecast to strengthen slightly over the next couple of days, but is likely to lose its tropical characteristics by Wednesday.
Emerging Disturbances
Far across the Atlantic, a disturbance is expected to emerge Monday off the coast of Africa and track west-northwesterly toward the central Atlantic. It has been given a 50% chance of development over the next seven days, up from 20% early Sunday.
The system is expected to hook around a large plume of African dust that has been quelling hurricane development for the past several weeks, Fox Weather Hurricane Specialist Bryan Norcross wrote on his blog, Hurricane Intel.
“How sharp the turn is, how well the system fights off the dust and dry air, and how it interacts with the evolving steering pattern is an open question,” Norcross wrote.
Forecasters said the disturbance has the potential to become a tropical depression late this week.
Another System Closer to the U.S.
Closer to the U.S., forecasters are monitoring a low-pressure area that could form midweek off the coast of northeast Florida, Georgia or the Carolinas. As of 8 a.m. Monday, it was given a 30% chance of development over the next seven days, up from 20% on Sunday.
Historical Context of Hurricane Season
The first two months of hurricane season have been quiet, with three named storms in June and July, none of which gained significant strength. But August historically marks the emergence of a more active pattern with disturbances moving off the coast of Africa and making the long march over the warm, storm-feeding waters of the Atlantic.
“We are still anticipating that the overall weather pattern will become more conducive to tropical development around the middle of August,” Norcross wrote.
The statistical peak of hurricane season is around Sept. 10, with the most active period stretching from the middle of August through the middle of October.
National Hurricane Center
Hurricane season runs from June 1 through Nov. 30, but peaks in early September. (National Hurricane Center)
The next named storm to form would be Erin.
Colorado State University researchers recently updated their forecast saying they expect the season to be slightly less active than what they had predicted earlier this year, but still slightly above average.
Originally Published: August 4, 2025 at 8:00 AM EDT
Conclusion
In conclusion, the National Hurricane Center is closely monitoring Tropical Storm Dexter and two other systems that have the potential to develop into tropical storms. As the peak of hurricane season approaches, it is essential for residents in affected areas to stay informed and prepare for any potential storms.
FAQs
Q: What is the current status of Tropical Storm Dexter?
A: Tropical Storm Dexter is currently located about 250 miles northwest of Bermuda, moving northeast away from land with maximum sustained winds of 45 mph.
Q: What are the chances of the disturbance off the coast of Africa developing into a tropical storm?
A: The disturbance has been given a 50% chance of development over the next seven days.
Q: What is the statistical peak of hurricane season?
A: The statistical peak of hurricane season is around Sept. 10.
Q: What is the name of the next storm to form?
A: The next named storm to form would be Erin.
