The National Hurricane Center (NHC) has raised the likelihood of a system in the Atlantic evolving into the next tropical depression or storm, with a projected track posing a potential threat to Florida. The system, currently a disturbed weather area in the central Atlantic, is moving swiftly as a tropical wave located east of the Caribbean's Lesser Antilles. The NHC anticipates that conditions may become favorable for development over the warmer southwestern Atlantic waters, potentially leading to a tropical depression forming later this week near the Greater Antilles or the Bahamas. Hurricane specialist John Cangialosi urges residents in these areas to stay updated on the system's progress, as the NHC gives it a 60% chance of development within the next seven days.

Forecasters have observed the tropical wave moving westward at a speed of approximately 17 mph, with expectations of increasing winds and seas as it progresses over the Leeward Islands and towards Puerto Rico, Hispaniola, and the Bahamas. The NHC's projected path has shifted north and farther east since its initial tracking, yet Florida remains within the potential trajectory of the system. The National Weather Service in Melbourne is closely monitoring the situation to assess the possible impacts on the state. Meteorologist Rob Haley highlights the uncertainty in predicting local effects but stresses the importance of following model trends closely, particularly as the system could either dissipate over the Atlantic or develop into the fourth named Atlantic hurricane of the season, potentially named Tropical Storm Debby.

The 2024 Atlantic hurricane season has already seen Hurricane Beryl forming early and wreaking havoc from the Caribbean to Mexico and Texas. Despite no recent advisories, the season is expected to peak from mid-August to October, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's forecast of an above-average season. With a prediction of 17 to 25 named storms, 8 to 13 hurricanes, and 4 to 7 major hurricanes, officials caution residents to remain vigilant as hurricane season officially spans from June 1 to November 30.