New Caribbean system could become Tropical Storm Dolly as Atlantic hurricane season heats up

The Atlantic hurricane season is closely watching two tropical waves, with one system, designated Invest 94L, showing conditions favorable for development into a tropical depression in the coming days. This system is currently over 1,000 miles west of the Cape Verde islands.

According to the National Hurricane Center (NHC), Invest 94L is generating rain and thunderstorms but lacks a defined structure. It is forecast to move west or northwest. The NHC assigns a 30% probability of cyclone formation within 48 hours and a 50% chance within seven days. Should it intensify into a tropical storm, it would be named Dolly.

A second system, Invest 92L, located about 400 miles east of the Windward Islands, has seen its development prospects diminish. The NHC has lowered its chances of formation due to the presence of dry air and unfavorable upper-level winds, which hinder organization. Its probability of development is currently 20% for both the next 48 hours and the next seven days.

Forecasters note that Invest 94L's potential evolution could be influenced by the preceding system, Invest 92L. The passage of Invest 92L might reduce atmospheric conditions like wind shear and Saharan dust in the area, potentially aiding Invest 94L's gradual development over the weekend or early next week, though this is not guaranteed to lead to storm strength.

The NHC has provided a list of 21 names for the Atlantic hurricane season. So far, three systems have already formed and dissipated, including Tropical Storm Arthur in June, which caused record rainfall in parts of Louisiana, and Tropical Storm Bertha.