National Hurricane Center tracks disturbance in the Atlantic. Here's what we know

The National Hurricane Center (NHC) is tracking a potential tropical disturbance in the northern Atlantic Ocean, months before the official start of the 2025 Atlantic Hurricane Season.

To be clear, the NHC said in its notice on Monday that it has low confidence that this potential system will develop further. However, it does serve as a reminder that the start of the Atlantic hurricane season is less than three months away.

Where is this potential tropical disturbance?

What we know:

The National Hurricane Center said a non-tropical area of low pressure is about 700 miles northeast of the northern Leeward Islands. It's producing disorganized showers and thunderstorms, and gale-force winds (winds between 39 mph - 54 mph).

Low chance of development

The NHC said the system is not expected to develop as it moves into an area with strong upper-level winds (wind shear) and dry air. According to the NHC's tropical outlook, the area of low pressure has a low chance – 10% – of development over the next two days and 7 days.

"Additional development is not expected as it moves into an environment of strong upper-level winds and dry air tonight and Tuesday," the NHC said in a post on X.

The NHC said it does not expect to release any additional updates regarding this system unless it's warranted. 

Preparing for the 2025 Atlantic Hurricane Season

When does hurricane season start?

The Atlantic hurricane season runs from June 1 to November 30, 2025. 

However, it is possible for a rare system to develop outside those timeframes. The "peak" of the Atlantic hurricane season is typically Sept. 10, though tropica activity increases between mid-August through mid-October. 

According to NHC, the first named tropical storm of a season typically happens in mid-to-late June. The first hurricane typically happens in early-to-mid August, while the first major hurricane (Cat. 3 or stronger) happens in late August or early September.

When do the first hurricane season predictions come out?

Colorado State University will issue its first prediction for the 2025 Atlantic hurricane season on April 3, 2025. CSU will then issue monthly and two-week forecasts.

NOAA's meteorologists at the Climate Prediction Center will issue their predictions for the upcoming hurricane season within the next several weeks.

2025 tropical storm names

Here are the tropical cyclone names for the 2025 Atlantic hurricane season. Click here to view the pronunciation guide.

• Andrea
• Barry
• Chantal
• Dexter
• Erin
• Fernand
• Gabrielle
• Humberto
• Imelda
• Jerry
• Karen
• Lorenzo
• Melissa
• Nestor
• Olga
• Pablo
• Rebekah
• Sebastien
• Tanya
• Van
• Wendy

What is the difference between a tropical depression, tropical storm, hurricane, and major hurricane?

Tropical systems are given ratings based on the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale – which solely relies on a storm's maximum sustained wind speed. It does not account for storm surge, rainfall, or tornadoes, which could add to a storm's level of destruction.

As a tropical system's wind speeds increase (and the storm gets stronger), how it is defined changes. A "major" hurricane develops when it reaches Cat. 3, 4, or 5 status.

• Tropical depression: A tropical system that has maximum sustained winds of 38 mph and typically consists of disorganized thunderstorms.
• Tropical storm: A tropical system that is better organized and has maximum sustained winds of 39-73 mph.
• Category 1 hurricane: 74-95 mph sustained winds
• Category 2 hurricane: 96-110 mph sustained winds
• Category 3 major hurricane: 111-129 mph sustained winds
• Category 4 major hurricane: 130-156 mph sustained winds
• Category 5 major hurricane: 157 mph or greater sustained winds

How do you prepare for hurricane season?

It's never too early to prepare for the upcoming hurricane season – or any emergency. It's important to have a plan, have ways to communicate and get emergency information, save and protect important documents, medication, and have extra food and water.

• Florida Disaster Supply Kit Checklist
• Ready.Gov emergency kit
• Florida Disaster Supply Kit Checklist
• Ready.Gov emergency kit

Download the FOX Local app

The FOX 35 Storm Team and newsroom will be with you every step of the way during hurricane season. Download the free FOX Local app to your smart phone for the latest breaking news, weather updates, and tropical forecasts. Download the FOX 35 Weather app to track the latest weather forecasts and tropical cone on your cell phone. Install the FOX Local app to your smart TV to stream FOX 35 newscasts.

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