First Hurricane of 2025 Season Brewing in the Atlantic?
AccuWeather experts are closely monitoring a tropical rainstorm in the Atlantic basin that could potentially develop into the first hurricane of the 2025 season as early as this week. The storm, currently located near the Cabo Verde Islands, is showing signs of strengthening.
Several factors are contributing to the storm's potential intensification, including:
- Lack of atmospheric dust
- Warm ocean water temperatures
- Minimal disruptive breezes (low wind shear)
If the storm reaches hurricane status, it would be named Erin. The average date for the first hurricane of the season is August 11th.
Impact on Cabo Verde Islands
Locally heavy rain and gusty winds are expected across the Cabo Verde Islands in the early part of this week as the storm moves westward. AccuWeather has rated the storm as a less than one on their RealImpact™ Scale for the islands.
Potential Trajectory
The storm is forecast to continue moving westward over the Atlantic before turning northward just north of the Caribbean by the weekend. While the current upper air pattern suggests the storm will likely stay east of the U.S. East Coast, an increase in rough surf and rip currents is possible along East Coast beaches next weekend into early the following week.
Other Areas of Interest
In addition to the developing rainstorm, two other areas in the Atlantic are being monitored for potential tropical development this week. One area is located over the open central Atlantic and has a low risk of development early to midweek. No impacts to land are currently expected from this system.
Updated Hurricane Season Forecast
Colorado State University (CSU) recently updated its Atlantic hurricane season forecast, predicting a total of 16 named storms. This includes the four storms that have already formed: Andrea, Barry, Chantal, and Dexter. CSU anticipates 12 additional storms, with 8 intensifying into hurricanes and 3 potentially becoming major hurricanes (Category 3 or stronger).
The CSU team highlights that Invest 97-L has a 90% chance of development over the next seven days, with conditions ripe for rapid intensification due to warm water temperatures and weak wind shear.