UPDATE: The National Hurricane Center (NHC) has just announced a high likelihood that a tropical depression will form this week in the far eastern Atlantic. As of 8 a.m. EDT on September 1, 2025, meteorologists report that a tropical wave, currently situated south of the Cape Verde Islands, is showing signs of development with disorganized showers and thunderstorms.
Forecasters indicate that the environmental conditions are increasingly conducive for the system to evolve into a tropical depression over the next few days. They predict that this system will move westward to west-northwestward at approximately 15 mph across the eastern and central tropical Atlantic through the weekend.
The NHC has assigned a 20% chance of development within the next two days, but this figure jumps to a significant 70% chance over the next week. While it remains too early to assess any potential impacts on Florida, residents are urged to stay informed as the situation develops.
If this system does develop, it would mark the seventh tropical cyclone of the season, potentially being named Tropical Storm Gabrielle. The most recent named storm, Tropical Storm Fernand, transitioned to post-tropical status last week in the north Atlantic. Notably, only one of the six named storms thus far has escalated to hurricane status.
Earlier this month, Hurricane Erin reached a staggering Category 5 status with winds of 160 mph but ultimately did not make landfall. However, it prompted significant warnings across the Caribbean and U.S. Atlantic coast.
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) previously updated its seasonal forecast in early August, projecting 13-18 named storms this year, with five to nine expected to develop into hurricanes. Of these, two to five could escalate to major hurricanes of Category 3 or higher.
The peak of hurricane season runs from mid-August through October, with the entire season spanning from June 1 to November 30.
Residents and officials in potentially affected areas must remain vigilant as the NHC continues to monitor this system closely. Stay tuned for further updates as this developing story unfolds.
