MIDWAY, Fla. (WTXL) -- There are three areas of interest in the tropical Atlantic basin, none of which are anywhere close to the Florida peninsula or the U.S. mainland:
- Tropical Depression Fiona is several hundred miles southeast of Bermuda and continuing to move to the west-northwest. Somewhat dry conditions and a windy upper-level set-up has caused Fiona to lose strength and organization, and should not be a factor in weather conditions in the United States.
- A tropical wave several hundred miles away from the Lesser Antilles has been tracked for a few days, and has a modest chance to encounter conditions that would lead to future development. Less upper-level wind and more moisture, along with warm ocean water temperatures, have sustained its chances to organize into a tropical depression or storm. Air Force hurricane hunters are scheduled to fly into the system Tuesday to gather data and observations.
- A third tropical wave, a little farther east than the previously described system, will also enter a favorable environment to intensify, with the National Hurricane Center giving it a near 100% chance to form into a depression in the next two to five days. (4:45 pm UPDATE: This system has been upgraded to Tropical Depression Seven.)
It's important to note that each of these systems are far from the United States, and computer forecast guidance are still in the process of creating a series of model data over the course of the next several days, with an effort to establish a clearer picture to possible movement and development. Any social media postings of one specific model (out of many dozens of versions available) from less-than-qualified sources that suggest a hurricane impact or landfall in the Gulf region or locally should be generally disregarded at this point. Long-range forecast models are prone to a HUGE margin of error. Stick with sources like the National Hurricane Center or the Storm Team here at wtxl.tv and through our broadcast and digital platforms for reliable hurricane season analysis and forecasting.