National Hurricane Center watching another potential storm off Southeast coast

The National Hurricane Center is monitoring a low-pressure area off Northeast Florida that could develop into a tropical system as it moves into the Gulf of America. Current forecasts indicate only a 10% chance of development, but heavy rain is anticipated along the northern Gulf Coast. The National Weather Service in Houston has warned that storm chances will likely rise toward the end of the week. Recent disturbances, including Tropical Storm Chantal, have already impacted the region, causing flooding and at least six deaths. Phil Klotzbach from Colorado State University notes that the third named storm of the season typically forms around August 3, indicating that the current season has been slower than expected.

However, ocean temperatures are rising, which could fuel future storms. Michael Lowry, a hurricane specialist, attributes this warming to changes in atmospheric patterns, including a weakening Bermuda High. Signals from oceanic oscillations and monsoon shifts further suggest that hurricane activity may soon increase.