Meteorologists closely monitor tropical waves
FOX 13 Meteorologist Jim Weber is tracking some tropical waves in the Atlantic.
TAMPA, Florida. – The 2024 Atlantic hurricane season is nearing its peak, but no named storms are expected in the next seven days.
According to Nash Rhodes, meteorologist at FOX 13, there are several reasons for this, including Saharan dust scattered over large parts of the Main Development Region (MDR).
“Normally, the amount of Saharan dust we see in the region decreases significantly at this time of year. The length of our current Saharan dust season was unprecedented, which contributed to our period of inactivity,” Rhodes said.
Another factor, Rhodes says, is the northward movement of the Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ) in the Atlantic basin. This causes incoming waves to move over Saharan dust plumes and cooler waters.
Although the tropics remain quiet for now, Rhodes said plenty of activity is forecast for the rest of the hurricane season. The Saharan dust will eventually dissipate, while warm ocean surface temperatures could serve as fuel for future disturbances.
September is usually the peak of the Atlantic hurricane season.
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