Atlantic Hurricane Outlook – August 20, 2025: A Couple Systems In The Atlantic
Hurricane Erin is holding as a Category 2 storm offshore, producing rip currents and coastal hazards along the East Coast. Meanwhile, the Gulf and Florida remain quiet, though tropical waves in the Atlantic are being monitored.
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Current Tropical Systems
Hurricane Erin:
Erin has weakened slightly but remains a Category 2 hurricane as it tracks northeast, well offshore of the U.S. East Coast. The storm continues to generate dangerous swells, rip currents, and pockets of coastal flooding, especially from the Outer Banks northward into the Mid-Atlantic and New England. While direct landfall is not expected, coastal impacts remain significant.Disturbance in the Central Atlantic:
A tropical wave near 45°W continues to show signs of organization. Environmental conditions feature warm sea surface temperatures but are partially offset by moderate wind shear and Saharan Air Layer (SAL) dust intrusion. Development chances: 30% over 7 days.Far Eastern Atlantic Wave (off Africa):
A fresh wave near 25°W is emerging with scattered convection. It remains disorganized but will be monitored as it progresses westward. Development chances: low (20% over 7 days).
Gulf of America (Mexico) Outlook
The Gulf remains broadly quiet, with high pressure dominating and keeping conditions mostly stable. While moisture pockets are leading to afternoon thunderstorms, there are no signs of tropical development at this time. Sea surface temperatures are very warm (29–31°C), so the region will continue to be monitored closely heading into late August.
Florida Forecast
Florida remains under the influence of high humidity and afternoon sea-breeze thunderstorms, typical for August. Outer rainbands from Erin are not expected to impact the peninsula. No immediate tropical threats are forecast for the state in the near term.
Rain forecast visualization courtesy of Windy.com
Key Environmental Factors
Sea Surface Temperatures (SSTs): 29–31°C across the Gulf and Caribbean, MDR slightly above average — supportive for development.
Wind Shear: Moderate over the central Atlantic, helping limit wave organization.
Moisture: Gradual increase in the western Atlantic, but SAL dust continues to suppress deep convection in parts of the MDR.
Outlook Summary
Hurricane Erin remains a strong offshore system, generating significant surf and rip currents along the East Coast.
Central Atlantic disturbance carries moderate development potential but faces shear and dust challenges.
Gulf of Mexico and Florida remain calm with no immediate tropical concerns, though warm waters warrant close monitoring later this month.
TL;DR
Hurricane Erin is now a Category 2 offshore system, still driving dangerous surf and rip currents up the East Coast. The Gulf of Mexico and Florida stay quiet with only scattered thunderstorms, while the central Atlantic wave shows some development potential but is being held back by wind shear and Saharan dust.
Atlantic Hurricane Outlook – August 15, 2025: Erin Nears Hurricane Strength
Tropical Storm Erin is strengthening and may become the first hurricane of the season this weekend, while Invest 98L in the Gulf delivers heavy rain to South Texas. U.S. land impacts remain limited to surf and rip currents.
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Erin Nears Hurricane Strength; Gulf Disturbance Spreads Moisture into Texas; U.S. Coastal Impacts Mostly Marine
Tropical Storm Erin is on the verge of becoming a hurricane—likely the season's first. Meanwhile, Invest 98L in the Bay of Campeche is bringing increased rain chances to South Texas. The U.S. mainland remains free of direct tropical threats, but coastal surf and rip currents from Erin warrant awareness.
Atlantic Basin Overview
Tropical Storm Erin has intensified, with sustained winds now around 60 mph and tropical storm-force winds extending from a compact core.
Hurricane Hunter aircraft are en route to assess the system. Erin is expected to become a Category 1 hurricane by Friday, with potential escalation to Category 3 (major) over the weekend.Forecast track: Currently on a west-northwest path, Erin is projected to steer northward later and remain offshore of the U.S.–Bahamas corridor, possibly passing near Bermuda. Direct U.S. land impacts are unlikely, but marine hazards will increase.
Gulf of Mexico & Caribbean Conditions
Invest 98L (Bay of Campeche): The disturbance now carries a 40% chance of development over 48 hours and 20% over 7 days. Although tropical cyclone formation is not expected, heavy rain and elevated coastal flooding risk (including rip currents) continue for South Texas.
Caribbean Sea: Stable with typical trade-wind rains and no organized tropical systems.
GOES-19 - Sector view: Gulf of America - Sandwich
GOES-19 - Sector view: Caribbean - Sandwich
Florida & Southeast Forecast
Florida: Persistent heat and humidity prevail with typical afternoon sea‑breeze thunderstorms. These storms are non-tropical in nature.
Marine Impact from Erin: Long-period swells and rip currents will begin affecting East Coast beaches, especially in Florida and the Southeast, as Erin intensifies. Coastal vigilance is advised.
Rain forecast visualization courtesy of Windy.com
Environmental Analysis
Sea Surface Temperatures: Warm—ranging from 84°F to 88°F—support rapid intensification of Erin.
Wind Shear & Atmospheric Moisture: Shear is forecast to decrease and mid-level moisture is sufficient, favoring intensification. Meanwhile, dryness and SAL (Saharan dust) remain more prevalent in other parts of the MDR, limiting additional activity.
Summary & Preparation Notes
Erin is nearing hurricane strength and likely to reach major category. Track keeps it offshore, but surfers and beachgoers should prepare for dangerous surf and rip currents.
Invest 98L will deliver rain to Mexico and South Texas; expect localized flooding.
No immediate threats to Florida or the U.S., but this weekend’s marine hazards are real.
Use this time to confirm emergency plans, especially for any coastal or marine activities.
TL;DR – August 15, 2025
Erin strengthening fast—on track to become a hurricane this weekend.
No direct U.S. impact expected, but surge in surf and rip currents along the Southeast coast.
Invest 98L brings rain to South Texas; low development chances.
Florida sees normal summer weather—hot and stormy, but not tropical.
Coastal watch: Swells and rip current impacts rising; stay informed for Hurricane Updates at CAT5Prep.com
Atlantic Hurricane Outlook – July 25, 2025: Gulf Disturbance Monitored, Basin Remains Broadly Quiet
Stay updated on the Atlantic hurricane season: July 25, 2025. A weak Gulf disturbance brings rain to Texas & Louisiana, while the broader Atlantic remains quiet with no immediate threats. Prepare now for August!
As we close out the final week of July, the Atlantic basin remains broadly quiet. The only area of interest remains a weak disturbance in the western Gulf of Mexico, which continues to produce showers but shows little sign of organizing. Elsewhere, several tropical waves are making their westward march across the Atlantic, but no significant development is expected in the short term.
Gulf of Mexico: Weak Trough Brings Rain, Low Development Risk
A surface trough remains draped across the western Gulf of Mexico, generating scattered showers and isolated thunderstorms—particularly offshore of Texas and Louisiana.
The disturbance remains disorganized, with no closed low-level circulation.
Wind shear and surrounding dry air continue to limit development potential.
The National Hurricane Center (NHC) gives this system a low (10%) chance of development over the next 7 days.
However, heavy downpours and localized flooding remain possible across parts of coastal Texas and southwestern Louisiana today.
This weak trough is expected to gradually dissipate as it moves slowly westward.
Atlantic Basin: Multiple Waves, No Immediate Threats
The broader Atlantic remains seasonally active with several tropical waves but no current threats:
Tropical wave near 50°W: Moving westward with scattered convection; not showing signs of organization.
New wave near 23°W, just off the coast of Africa: Tracking westward along the monsoon trough with convection near its southern flank.
A weak low embedded in the monsoon trough near 08N44W is helping spark convection but lacks any closed circulation.
None of these features show signs of imminent development, though they will be monitored closely in the coming days.
NOAA/NESDIS/STAR – GOES-19 Air Mass Composite – July 25, 2025
Sea Surface Temperatures & Atmospheric Conditions
Sea Surface Temperatures (SSTs) across the Gulf of Mexico and Main Development Region (MDR) remain well above average, supplying ample fuel for tropical development later this season.
Wind Shear remains moderate in the central and western Atlantic, limiting near-term organization.
The Saharan Air Layer (SAL) continues to suppress convection across much of the eastern Atlantic, especially north of the MDR.
Dust & SAL data from Windy.com
Florida Forecast: Typical Summer Pattern
Today’s outlook for Central Florida includes:
Highs in the low 90s°F (32–34°C)
Humidity: High, with heat indices nearing the upper 90s
Rain Chances: Scattered afternoon thunderstorms, driven by sea breeze and daytime heating
Winds: Light and variable, shifting southeast in the afternoon
No tropical impacts are expected for Florida at this time.
Radar imagery courtesy of Windy.com
Prep Tip of the Day: Review Your Evacuation Routes
Use this quiet period to refresh your storm plan:
Know your local evacuation zones
Map out primary and alternate routes
Keep a printed copy in your emergency kit in case power or cell service goes down
Share your plan with family or household members
Looking Ahead: Tropics Likely to Awaken in August
While the Atlantic basin remains quiet for now, the underlying signals—record SSTs, westward-moving waves, and easing shear—suggest a more favorable environment could emerge as we enter August. Stay alert, stay prepared, and keep checking in for daily updates.
Atlantic Hurricane Outlook – June 5, 2025: A Weak Low, a Wet Southeast, and a Watchful Eye
June 5 brings continued calm in the Atlantic, with no named storms and no areas of concern. But warm sea surface temperatures and slowly shifting atmospheric conditions suggest more activity may be on the way later this month.
The fifth day of the 2025 Atlantic hurricane season begins with calm skies and no tropical activity on the horizon. While this early June quiet is typical, forecasters are closely watching for subtle atmospheric shifts that may usher in increased activity later in the month. Now is the perfect time to double-check your emergency plans while the weather remains cooperative.
Atlantic Basin: No Immediate Concerns
As of the latest National Hurricane Center (NHC) update (8 PM EDT June 4 or the upcoming 2 AM EDT June 5 outlook):
No active tropical cyclones
No areas of interest under investigation
No development expected within the next 7 days
This quiet pattern aligns with the early season lull seen in most years before conditions ramp up later in June and July.
Satellite imagery courtesy of Windy.com
Sea Surface Temperatures: Warming Trend Continues
Ocean heat—an essential ingredient for tropical storm formation—is building across the Atlantic:
Gulf of America (Mexico): Widespread low to mid-80s°F (28–30°C), running above average
Western Caribbean: Seasonally warm, primed for potential development in coming weeks
Main Development Region (MDR): Temperatures are climbing faster than usual for early June, laying a foundation for future storms
Sea surface temperature data courtesy of Windy.com
Wind Shear & Moisture: Still Mixed, Slowly Improving
Atmospheric conditions aren’t yet fully supportive of tropical formation, but change is underway:
Wind Shear: Still moderate to high in the western Caribbean and central Atlantic—strong enough to disrupt organization. Long-range models show a gradual easing expected later in June
Moisture: Mid- and lower-atmosphere humidity is rising in the Gulf and Caribbean, hinting at increasing thunderstorm potential
Wind Shear Courtesy of https://tropic.ssec.wisc.edu/
Saharan Air Layer: Strong, But Temporary Barrier
The Saharan Air Layer (SAL) remains a major suppressing force across the tropical Atlantic:
Dry, dusty air and associated wind shear prevent tropical waves from organizing
This layer is expected to weaken by mid-to-late June, removing a key obstacle to development
Saharan Air Layer data courtesy of Windy.com
Thunderstorm Activity: Typical Early Summer Patterns
No tropical cyclones—but thunderstorm activity continues in familiar places:
Florida: Scattered afternoon storms expected from daytime heating
Western Caribbean: Some disorganized convection is present but lacks structure
Off the U.S. East Coast: No significant organized convection at this time
Thunderstorm data courtesy of Windy.com
Florida Forecast – Early Summer Vibes Across the Peninsula
Expect a classic early summer day throughout Florida:
Highs: Upper 80s to low 90s°F (31–33°C) statewide
Humidity: Elevated levels bringing a muggy, tropical feel all day
Rain: Scattered afternoon thunderstorms likely, mostly brief and localized
Winds: Light and variable, with gentle breezes in many areas
Stay hydrated and be prepared for brief showers if you’re out and about this afternoon!
Radar data courtesy of Windy.com
Prep Tip of the Day: Verify Emergency Contact Information
Use this calm stretch to get communication-ready:
Update your family contact plan—make sure everyone knows who to call
Register for local emergency alerts via text or email
Bookmark vital sites like hurricanes.gov and Cat5Prep.com
Looking Ahead: Calm Now, But Stay Ready
No development is expected in the coming week—but the groundwork is being laid:
Warm waters across the basin
Easing wind shear on the horizon
Moisture and instability beginning to rise
The tropics may be quiet today, but the story of the 2025 hurricane season is just beginning. Stay informed, stay ready—and check back tomorrow for the next Cat5Prep.com update.
Atlantic Hurricane Outlook – June 4, 2025: A Flicker on the Horizon
Though no storms are active, key hurricane ingredients are aligning fast. A developing low near the Southeast U.S. and rising SSTs suggest change is coming.
The fourth day of the 2025 Atlantic hurricane season opens with quiet skies—but a subtle shift is underway. For the first time this season, the National Hurricane Center (NHC) has flagged a potential area of interest offshore the southeastern United States. While development chances remain low, it’s a reminder that conditions are evolving and the atmosphere is beginning to stir.
Atlantic Basin: A New Watch Zone Emerges
As of this morning’s Tropical Weather Outlook from the NHC:
No active tropical cyclones
One area of interest off the Southeastern U.S. coast
No tropical development expected in the next 48 hours
Low (10%) chance of development over the next 7 days
A non-tropical low pressure area is forecast to form near or offshore the Southeast U.S. coast.
If it remains offshore, it may gradually acquire subtropical or tropical characteristics while drifting northeastward at 10–15 mph.
— NHC Forecaster Reinhart, June 4, 2025
No storm is expected soon—but it’s the first official mention of potential development this season.
Satellite imagery courtesy of Windy.com
Sea Surface Temperatures: Ready for Action
Warm waters across the Atlantic basin continue to deepen—creating an ideal foundation for future storm formation:
Gulf of Mexico: Running 2–4°F above average, with pockets exceeding 86°F (30°C)
Western Caribbean: SSTs remain high, particularly around Central America and Cuba
Main Development Region (MDR): Trending warmer than normal with gradual warming expected into late June
This warm ocean water is the primary energy source for hurricanes—and it’s already in place.
Sea surface temperature data courtesy of Windy.com
Wind Shear & Moisture: Storm Barriers Continue to Erode
Atmospheric conditions are shifting in a storm-friendly direction:
Wind shear is weakening in key zones like the Gulf and Caribbean
Moisture levels are rising at both low and mid-levels of the atmosphere
Vertical instability is increasing, supporting larger, longer-lasting thunderstorms
This transition increases the likelihood that disorganized storms could become organized systems.
Wind Shear Courtesy of https://tropic.ssec.wisc.edu/
Saharan Air Layer: Still a Barrier, But Fading
A broad plume of Saharan dust remains in the central and eastern Atlantic, offering temporary protection:
Suppresses convection
Inhibits thunderstorm growth
Raises wind shear and dry air intrusion
However, models show this SAL influence weakening by mid-to-late June, removing one of the final natural inhibitors.
Saharan Air Layer data courtesy of Windy.com
Thunderstorm Activity: Early Clues
Even in the absence of tropical storms, convective activity gives us clues about what's forming:
Western Caribbean & Bay of Campeche: Disorganized clusters of thunderstorms show signs of persistent convection
Southeastern U.S. Coast: Isolated convection associated with the developing non-tropical low
While nothing is organizing yet, this pattern often precedes early-season development.
Thunderstorm data courtesy of Windy.com
Florida Forecast: Muggy Mornings, Stormy Afternoons
Expect typical summer conditions today across the state:
North Florida: Highs in the upper 80s, mostly sunny, low humidity
Central Florida: Around 90°F, with isolated thunderstorms after 2 PM
South Florida: Mid-80s, high humidity, with a greater risk of scattered PM storms
Afternoon thunderstorms are normal—but they also signal increasing moisture and instability across the region.
Forecast radar data courtesy of Windy.com
Prep Tip of the Day: Snap and Store
With one system on the radar, now’s a good time to check off a simple but essential task:
📸 Take photos of your home, car, and valuables
☁️ Back up those images to the cloud or email them to yourself
🔒 These photos may be critical for insurance documentation after a storm
Also:
Review your hurricane kit and evacuation plan
Sign up for emergency text alerts from local agencies
Bookmark trusted resources like Cat5Prep.com and hurricanes.gov
Looking Ahead: A Season Starting to Stir
It’s still early in the season, but we’re beginning to see motion on the map:
Warm water and shifting winds are laying the groundwork
The Saharan Air Layer is fading
Thunderstorm activity is creeping into critical regions
Today’s 10% chance of development is low—but it may mark the quiet season’s turning point.
We'll continue tracking changes in the Atlantic and bring you updated guidance each day.
Check back tomorrow for your next hurricane update from Cat5Prep.com.
Atlantic Hurricane Outlook – May 29, 2025: A Calm Before the Storm?
As the 2025 Atlantic hurricane season nears, conditions are aligning for increased activity. Here's today's outlook and what it means for storm development.
As we approach the official start of the Atlantic hurricane season on June 1, the tropics are offering us a brief moment of calm. As of today, May 29, 2025, there are no active tropical systems in the Atlantic basin. The National Hurricane Center (NHC) reports no significant disturbances in the Atlantic Ocean, the Caribbean Sea, or the Gulf of Mexico. But behind this stillness lies a set of powerful climatic conditions primed to ignite what could be a very active hurricane season.
*Data Courtesy of National Hurricane Center
A Season Poised for Action
Earlier this month, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) released its seasonal outlook, forecasting a 60% chance of an above-average hurricane season. According to their projections, the Atlantic could see:
13 to 19 named storms
6 to 10 hurricanes
3 to 5 major hurricanes (Category 3 or stronger)
These predictions are based on a confluence of environmental indicators—particularly warm sea surface temperatures, neutral ENSO conditions, and weakened trade winds—each contributing to a higher potential for tropical cyclone formation.
Sea Surface Temperatures: The Ocean’s Warning Signal
The ocean is one of the most powerful drivers of hurricane activity, and right now, it's sounding the alarm.
*Data Courtesy of NOAA
Record-Warm Waters in the Atlantic
The North Atlantic is currently experiencing its third-warmest May on record, with sea surface temperatures (SSTs) well above seasonal averages. The heat isn't limited to open waters either—the Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean Sea are also running unusually warm, creating an extensive reservoir of potential hurricane fuel.
Warm SSTs are a critical component of storm development, providing the energy needed to sustain and intensify tropical systems. Water temperatures of 80°F (27°C) or higher are generally needed to support cyclogenesis, and many areas in the tropical Atlantic are already surpassing this threshold.
Marine Heatwave Near Florida
Perhaps more concerning is the marine heatwave stretching from Florida through the Bahamas and into the western Caribbean. These waters are seeing temperatures typical of mid-summer, not late May, a sign of the accelerating heat trend across global oceans.
This marine heat is already influencing regional weather patterns by:
Increasing humidity levels
Amplifying rainfall intensity
Fueling convective thunderstorms across the southeastern U.S.
These factors don’t directly spawn hurricanes—but they create a more volatile, moisture-rich environment in which tropical disturbances can evolve rapidly once they form.
*Data Courtesy of Coral Reef Watch —Data May Be Delayed
Saharan Dust: Nature’s Fire Extinguisher
While warm seas suggest heightened hurricane potential, one atmospheric feature is acting as a temporary barrier: Saharan dust.
Each year, dust from the Sahara Desert is swept across the Atlantic by strong easterly winds, forming what’s known as the Saharan Air Layer (SAL). This dry, dusty air mass stretches thousands of miles and can significantly inhibit storm development by:
Drying out the mid-level atmosphere
Suppressing cloud formation
Increasing vertical wind shear
This week, a new surge of Saharan dust is drifting over Florida, leading to hazy skies and lowered air quality across the peninsula. While visually striking—especially at sunrise and sunset—the presence of this dust is a temporary check on early-season storm activity.
Meteorologists expect the SAL to weaken in the coming weeks, especially as July and August approach. When that happens, the Atlantic will become more conducive to sustained storm development.
Saharan Dust Data Courtesy of Windy.com
Local Conditions: Florida's East and Gulf Coasts
While the tropics are currently calm, Florida isn’t escaping turbulent weather.
Today, the East and Gulf coasts of Florida are experiencing classic pre-summer instability:
High humidity levels are combining with daytime heating to create strong atmospheric lift
Afternoon thunderstorms are likely, particularly inland, with some storms potentially producing:
Hail
Damaging wind gusts
Frequent lightning
Temperatures are expected to peak in the low 90s (°F) with overnight lows in the low 70s, maintaining high dew points and muggy conditions. This type of weather is not directly related to hurricane activity, but it’s a reminder that the region is entering its most active weather period of the year.
Data Courtesy of Windy.com
Meteorological Factors Influencing the 2025 Season
Several broader climate factors are shaping the hurricane outlook for 2025. Let’s break them down:
ENSO-Neutral Conditions
The El Niño–Southern Oscillation (ENSO) is currently in a neutral phase, meaning neither El Niño (which suppresses Atlantic hurricanes) nor La Niña (which enhances them) is present.
This neutral backdrop means that other conditions—like SSTs, wind shear, and moisture availability—will have a stronger influence this year. Historically, ENSO-neutral years can swing either way, but combined with record-warm waters, the scales may tip toward higher activity.
Weakened Trade Winds
Forecast models show weaker-than-average trade winds over the Caribbean and tropical Atlantic. This is important because strong trade winds often blow potential storms apart before they can organize. In contrast, weaker winds allow storms to build vertically and tap into deep moisture columns—ideal conditions for hurricane formation and intensification.
Dust's Waning Influence
As mentioned earlier, the Saharan dust currently suppressing tropical activity is expected to decline as we head deeper into June and July. With fewer dust outbreaks and a moister atmosphere, the door will open wider for tropical waves emerging off Africa to develop into organized systems—particularly during the peak season from August to October.
Looking Ahead: Time to Prepare
Right now, the Atlantic might seem calm—but all indicators point to an explosive potential for storm activity in the months ahead. This quiet period is an ideal window for preparedness. Make sure to follow our Prep Blog for tips and equipment that are our go-to.
What You Should Do Now
Check your hurricane supply kits. Make sure they include essentials like non-perishable food, water, batteries, flashlights, medications, and pet supplies.
Review your evacuation plan. Know your route, your shelter options, and how to communicate with family members.
Stay informed. Set alerts from trusted sources like:
National Hurricane Center (www.nhc.noaa.gov)
Local weather apps and news stations
NOAA Weather Radio
Follow emerging tropical waves. Just because a storm hasn’t formed yet doesn’t mean the atmosphere isn’t building toward one.
Eyes on the Horizon
The 2025 Atlantic hurricane season may be starting slow, but the environmental backdrop suggests this quiet won’t last. Between record-warm waters, a neutral ENSO, weakening dust layers, and favorable wind conditions, we may be on the edge of one of the more active seasons in recent memory.
If you're in a hurricane-prone area, take today’s calm as a gift—and a warning. Use this time to prepare, stay vigilant, and be ready for whatever the skies may bring in the weeks ahead.