Despite nearing the end of the Atlantic hurricane season on November 30, this time of year can still generate intense and destructive hurricanes. A key reason being that ocean waters can easily hold onto its heat from the season. A pocket of high moisture, and low wind shear will also offer favourable conditions for development.
DON’T MISS: Autumn can still produce intense hurricanes across the Atlantic
The season has been relatively quiet since Hurricane Oscar hit on October 19 – 22. Oscar made landfall in northeastern Cuba as a very small, but mighty storm, with deadly impacts felt across the island. Its remnants went on to soak parts of Atlantic Canada with 100+ mm of rain and gusty winds.
The U.S. National Hurricane Center (NHC) is now monitoring the progression of a brewing tropical depression, which is likely to form late this weekend or early next week. The NHC has a high 70 percent chance rating for this tropical development in the southwestern Caribbean Sea over the next seven days.
If the storm does get named, it will be Patty, the 16th named storm of 2024.
Regardless of naming status and development, locally heavy rains are possible over portions of the western Caribbean, the NHC says.
Impacts to the U.S. are unknown at this time, but the storm could move northwards next week, bringing heavy rain, gusty winds and rough surf.
This serves as a good reminder that the Atlantic hurricane season officially runs until November 30, so it’s important to remain vigilant and prepared throughout the month of November, as well.