The National Hurricane Center (NHC) forecast at 14:00 on August 10 (local time) indicates that a low-pressure system accompanied by a wide area of rain showers and thunderstorms has been intensifying since August 7.
This low-pressure system is currently located in the tropical Atlantic, approximately midway between the Cape Verde Islands and the Lesser Antilles in the Caribbean.
Environmental conditions appear favorable for the gradual development of this system over the next few days. The low-pressure system is moving west-northwest at a speed of 24-32 km/h through the central tropical Atlantic.
The NHC predicts a low-pressure system or hurricane has a high chance of forming by early to mid-week when the system approaches and then moves near or through the Lesser Antilles.
Subsequently, the hurricane may move west-northwest through parts of the Greater Antilles, potentially including Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
The NHC assigns a 40% chance of this system developing within the next 2 days and 80% within 7 days. If the low-pressure system intensifies into a named system, it may become Hurricane Ernesto - the fifth hurricane of the 2024 Atlantic hurricane season.
Long-range forecast models indicate that the system will then shift northward into the Atlantic before reaching Florida (U.S.), but this may occur more than a week later.
To date, the 2024 Atlantic hurricane season has had 4 named storms, including two tropical cyclones. The number of storms is likely to increase as the season peaks from mid-August to October.
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has recently updated its latest hurricane forecast, predicting an extremely severe hurricane season with 17-24 named storms, including 8-13 hurricanes. Of these, 4-7 will be major hurricanes.
In light of this weather situation, travelers should frequently monitor official weather forecasts and hurricane warnings.
If you have travel plans to areas potentially affected by the hurricane, consider adjusting your itinerary or postponing your trip. Follow all instructions and directives from local authorities.
In the event of an emergency, try to contact the Vietnamese Embassy or Consulate in the host country or local emergency services for assistance.
