Atlantic Hurricane Outlook – August 26, 2025

On August 26, Tropical Storm Fernand weakened over cooler waters east-northeast of Bermuda and is expected to become post-tropical by Wednesday. While Fernand poses no threat to land, Erin’s swells are still driving dangerous rip currents along the U.S. East Coast. Florida and the Gulf of Mexico remain quiet, experiencing only typical late-August thunderstorms.

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Tropical Storm Fernand weakens offshore; Erin’s surf legacy lingers while tropics turn quiet

Atlantic Basin Overview

Tropical Storm Fernand

As of Tuesday morning, Fernand is located about 635 miles east-northeast of Bermuda, moving northeast at ~14 mph with maximum sustained winds near 45 mph and a central pressure of 1005 mb. The storm has weakened over cooler waters and moderate shear, and is forecast to transition into a post-tropical system by Wednesday, dissipating altogether by Thursday. No watches or warnings are in effect, and Fernand poses no threat to land.

Hurricane Erin’s Legacy

Though Erin has been gone for days, its immense size and powerful wave field continue to leave a footprint along the East Coast. Long-period swells and dangerous rip currents remain a hazard from the Carolinas through New England, particularly in areas with open exposure to the Atlantic.

Other Atlantic Activity

The National Hurricane Center reports no active disturbances of concern. A tropical wave that had entered the Caribbean has been choked off by dry air and shear, with 0–10% development odds over the next week

Environmental Conditions

  • Sea Surface Temperatures (SSTs): The Caribbean and Gulf remain very warm (29–31 °C), supportive of storm formation. In the North Atlantic, Fernand is moving into cooler waters, which will force weakening.

  • Wind Shear: Shear is moderate over Fernand and forecast to increase, hastening its post-tropical transition. Stronger shear persists across much of the MDR, suppressing new development.

  • Mid-Level Relative Humidity: Dry mid-level air continues across the central Atlantic, limiting convective organization for any tropical waves.

  • Saharan Air Layer (SAL): Dust-laden air spans the eastern and central Atlantic, further capping deep convection and hindering tropical development.

Sea Surface Temperature imagery courtesy of Windy.com

Wind courtesy of Windy.com

Relative Humidity data courtesy ofWindy.com

Dust data courtesy of Windy.com

Gulf of Mexico & Caribbean

The Gulf remains quiet under high pressure, with no signs of organized development. Only routine afternoon thunderstorms are occurring along coastal regions. Despite very warm waters, the Gulf shows no near-term tropical threats.

Florida & Southeast U.S. Forecast

Florida is under a typical late-August pattern: hot, humid conditions with scattered afternoon thunderstorms driven by sea breezes. Some morning showers are possible along the Gulf Coast.
Along the Atlantic beaches, hazardous surf and rip currents remain the main concern, with energy still propagating from Erin’s remnants and Fernand’s offshore circulation

Rain forecast visualization courtesy of Windy.com

Summary

  • Fernand has weakened to a 45 mph storm and will become post-tropical by Wednesday.

  • Erin’s legacy continues to affect the East Coast with dangerous surf and rip currents.

  • No new Atlantic systems show signs of development; odds remain very low.

  • Gulf of Mexico and Florida are quiet, with only routine late-summer storms.

  • Environmental conditions: Warm SSTs but hostile shear, dry air, and SAL are suppressing new activity.

TL;DR – August 26 Snapshot

  • Fernand weakens offshore; no land impacts expected.

  • Erin’s swells continue to fuel rip currents along the East Coast.

  • SAL, dry air, and wind shear are limiting new storm development.

  • Gulf and Florida remain quiet aside from typical thunderstorms.

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