A tropical wave is developing several hundred miles from the Caribbean and is expected to impact the United States in the coming days. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration states that the disturbance is likely to interact with another tropical wave, influencing whether it will hit Florida and the Carolinas, move towards the Gulf of Mexico, or curve into the Atlantic Ocean. Currently moving west at approximately 18 mph, the wave is forecasted to pass through the Caribbean, potentially affecting Puerto Rico, Hispaniola, and Cuba.

Weather experts have assigned a 60 percent chance that the disturbance will escalate into a tropical hurricane over the next week. The wave's trajectory may alter as it encounters high winds and dry air in the coming days. If it strengthens and becomes a hurricane, it will be named Debby, marking the fourth named storm in the Atlantic this year. AccuWeather's lead hurricane expert, Alex DaSilva, mentioned that as the wave moves into an area with low shear and high moisture towards the end of the week, it could gain organization and intensify.

Earlier this month, Hurricane Beryl wreaked havoc on Eastern Texas, resulting in 36 casualties and leaving 2.7 million residents without power, notably impacting Houston. Beryl achieved Category 5 status, making it the earliest in the Atlantic Ocean's history. Weather specialists project an increased number of hurricanes this year due to the escalating effects of the climate crisis globally. Warm water temperatures, breaking records this year, are believed by scientists to expedite the rapid intensification of hurricanes into major storms.

DaSilva expressed concerns that with sea-surface temperatures potentially surpassing last year's records during the peak hurricane season from late August to early October, the environment might become even more conducive for tropical cyclones to develop and strengthen swiftly. The Atlantic's peak hurricane season runs from June to November with September typically seeing the highest activity. To aid individuals living in hurricane-prone areas, the National Weather Service has shared a comprehensive hurricane preparation guide.