Topic overview
In brief
- The National Hurricane Center has identified a new area for potential tropical development in the Atlantic Ocean.
- A tropical wave is expected to move off the west coast of Africa next week, with low odds of development.
- Environmental factors such as Saharan dust and upper-level winds may inhibit the formation of tropical storms.
Summary
On August 8, 2026, the National Hurricane Center (NHC) announced a new area to monitor for potential tropical development located deep in the Atlantic Ocean, off the coast of Africa. This announcement comes as a tropical wave is expected to move off the west coast of Africa on the following Tuesday. The NHC has indicated that some development of this system is possible through the middle to end of the upcoming week as the disturbance traverses the Atlantic. However, the NHC currently assesses the odds of development over the next seven days as low due to various environmental factors.
The NHC's designation of this area is part of their broader outlook for the 2026 Atlantic hurricane season, which has been influenced by a strong El Niño climate pattern. This pattern is expected to persist through the fall, creating atmospheric conditions that may suppress tropical development in the Atlantic. The NOAA has projected that there will be between 7 to 13 named storms this season, with 2 to 6 hurricanes, including up to two that could reach Category 3 strength or higher. This forecast includes Tropical Storms Arthur and Bertha, which formed earlier in the summer.