2023 Atlantic Hurricane Season
The 20th storm of the 2023 Atlantic hurricane season might form in the Caribbean before this week concludes. Although the season officially ends on November 30, signs of potential storm activity persist.
If a low-pressure area strengthens into a tropical storm, it would be named Vince, marking the 20th storm of the season and leaving only Whitney for any subsequent tropical systems in the Atlantic basin this year.
The Caribbean’s warm waters, ranging from low to mid-80s F, provide favorable conditions for tropical development. Currently, experts are monitoring a cluster of showers and thunderstorms in the southwestern Caribbean Sea with a low chance of developing into a tropical depression or storm by Friday.
The system could benefit from decreasing wind shear this week, enhancing the likelihood of consolidation into a tropical system. Wind shear fluctuating in the region may offer a window for the system to organize and strengthen.
Regardless of development, heavy showers and thunderstorms may impact the Greater Antilles, posing a risk of flash flooding late this week into the weekend. Rough seas and surf could affect the region until Saturday.
Potential impacts of a developed system include coastal flooding and damaging winds in Cuba, Jamaica, the Dominican Republic, Haiti, and Puerto Rico.
The 2023 Atlantic hurricane season has been active, witnessing 19 named storms, including six hurricanes. An unnamed subtropical storm briefly formed in January, and a late October tropical depression failed to intensify into a named storm. This season exceeds the historical average of 14 named storms in a typical hurricane season.
Recent Climate – 2023 Atlantic Hurricane Season, Approaching Conclusion of the 2023 Atlantic Hurricane Season