Atlantic Ocean could see tropical activity in next few weeks

This NOAA satellite image taken Friday at 12:45 AM EDT shows Hurricane Hermine as it makes landfall over the Big Bend region of Florida. (AP)

As of Friday, September 2, 2016

WEATHER experts are reporting that while new tropical storm development in the wake of Hurricane Hermine is unlikely during the coming days, additional pulses of tropical activity in the Atlantic Ocean are in store during the next few weeks.

AccuWeather forecasters said on Friday that Hermine will buffet the US mid-Atlantic coast with beach erosion, coastal flooding and gusty winds for days. Behind Hermine, the train of disturbances in the tropical Atlantic will continue during September and into October with dozens of disturbances moving westward from Africa.

When these disturbances move into a region where atmospheric conditions are favourable for development, a tropical depression, tropical storm or hurricane can be born. It appears that dry air, dust and disruptive winds have become re-established over the tropical Atlantic in the short-term, according to AccuWeather Hurricane Expert, Dan Kottlowski. These conditions will result in a lull of new tropical activity in the Atlantic for a time.

“We see no new tropical development through this weekend and into the middle of next week,” Mr Kottlowski said.

One tropical disturbance, 92L, that emerged from Africa during late August was strong at first, but has since weakened. This disturbance will drift westward across the Caribbean with spotty showers and thunderstorms early next week.

“There is a slight chance 92L may slowly develop as it crosses the Caribbean,” Mr Kottlowski said. It is possible that as 92L enters the Gulf of Mexico, conditions could become more favourable for cyclone organisation and strengthening late next week.

Another strong disturbance will push off the Africa coast and into the western Atlantic from Africa on Tuesday or Wednesday. “Until that new disturbance emerges, it will be difficult to assess the environmental conditions surrounding the system, especially the amount of dry air and dust,” Mr Kottlowski said.

On average, the peak of the Atlantic hurricane season is September 10. The Atlantic hurricane season continues into November.