A low-pressure system over Central Florida’s east coast might develop into a tropical depression overnight or by Sunday, according to the National Hurricane Center.
The system, which was located about 185 miles east of Cape Canaveral on Saturday evening, is given a 50% chance of developing into a tropical system, NHC forecasters said.
“Environmental conditions are expected to remain marginally conducive for additional development,” the NHC said in its 8 p.m. tropical weather outlook. “However, the system still lacks organized shower and thunderstorm activity near its center and therefore has not met the criteria to be designated as a tropical depression.”
The hurricane center said it sent out an Air Force Reserve Hurricane Hunter aircraft to check out the system, and another aircraft is scheduled for Sunday morning if conditions allow it for further investigation.
“Interests in Florida should continue to monitor the progress of this system,” the NHC said.
A large amount of dry Saharan dust from Africa has been over the Caribbean and Florida in recent weeks, acting as a tropical storm shield. The dust helps suppress thunderstorms, tropical storms and hurricanes, and its produces some magnificent sunsets.
However, we’re quickly approaching the time in hurricane season when tropical activity historically starts to pick up. Sept. 10 is usually the peak of hurricane season, which runs from June 1 to Nov. 30.
NOAA is predicting the 2021 season to be an above average year with an estimated 13-20 named storms. An average season observes 14 named storms.
So far in the 2021 season, we’ve had four tropical storms – Ana, Bill Claudette and Danny – and one hurricane, Elsa.
The next named storm will be called Fred.
rsimmons@orlandosentinel.com, Jpedersen@orlandosentinel.com, nontiveros@orlandosentinel.com.
