AccuWeather experts warn that the 2025 Atlantic hurricane season is about to enter a "dangerous peak" period, with forecasts of 3 to 5 tropical depressions and named storms forming in August. That could include a strong storm, which directly threatens the Caribbean and the US coast.
According to storm forecasts, the potential for the formation of prolonged tropical cyclones - a type of storm that often has a long trajectory and great destructive power - will increase significantly from the middle of the month. At least one of the three systems being monitored could cross the Caribbean and become a major concern for the US.
There are currently three areas that are closely monitored by the meteorological agency. The first area is located in the mid- Atlantic, with little chance of development and is not expected to threaten the US because it will be swept north, around or east of Bermuda by the mainstream of the airline.
Notably, a huge "wave" of Sahara dust just overflowed from the West African coast last weekend. The dust will move through the Atlantic's main tropical storm development area through midweek, then ease rapidly, paving the way for more favorable conditions for the storm to form.
Immediately after that, a large cluster of thunderstorms associated with low pressure or tropical waves from West Africa will have the opportunity to form a strong system as it moves west-northwest into the Caribbean, if it avoids collision with large islands with high mountain terrain.
Another cluster of thunderstorms is also set to leave the African coast this weekend.
According to AccuWeather senior weather forecaster Chad Merrill, the above areas could impact the Caribbean or the US between August 15-24, or even longer depending on the actual trajectory. This is considered an important window of time, where the first significant tropical threat of this year's hurricane season could emerge for the United States.
So far, only one tropical storm has been named for August, Hurricane Dexter. However, the Atlantic Ocean typically has about five named storms per August. With the possibility of at least two new storms appearing in the middle of the month, this number will certainly increase.
One or both potential systems could strengthen into a hurricane by the third week of August, continue to operate through the end of the month and coincide with the US Labor Day weekend.
The next list of hurricane names for the 2025 Atlantic hurricane season includes Erin, Fernand and Gabrielle. People in the Caribbean, as well as along the US Atlantic coast and Gulf of Mexico, are advised to closely monitor weather forecasts to respond promptly.
