A tropical system has developed in the Atlantic, becoming the second of the season and potentially evolving into Tropical Storm Beryl, the first hurricane of the year. This early development could pose a rare threat to parts of the Caribbean as the system tracks westward.
The storm, currently known as Tropical Depression Two, is forecasted to impact the Lesser Antilles, a chain of islands between the Atlantic and the Caribbean Sea, by the end of the weekend. While its exact path and intensity are still uncertain, it is expected to strengthen as it moves into the Caribbean Sea early next week.
As of Friday afternoon, the system had winds of 35 mph and was located approximately 1,200 miles east-southeast of Barbados. The National Hurricane Center may issue hurricane or tropical storm watches for parts of the Lesser Antilles in the coming days.
Experts note that early season tropical activity in this region is uncommon, with the formation of storms typically delayed until later in the season due to cooler ocean temperatures. However, this year's unusually warm ocean temperatures, attributed to factors like climate change and El Niño, have created favorable conditions for early storm development.
In addition to the current system, the National Hurricane Center is monitoring two other areas for potential development, one in the same region of the Atlantic and another in the Gulf of Mexico. While the chances of these systems developing into significant storms are currently low, the ongoing warm ocean conditions warrant close observation.
The early formation of Tropical Depression Two and the presence of other potential systems highlight the heightened activity expected for the upcoming hurricane season. Researchers emphasize the need for vigilance and preparedness in the face of these early warnings and the forecasted hyperactive season ahead.
