Forecasters watching possible depression in Atlantic

Forecasters are watching multiple systems that have cropped up in the Atlantic, but only one poses a chance of becoming a tropical depression in the coming days, meteorologists say.

A broad area of low pressure in the central Atlantic has a 50% chance of becoming a tropical depression in the next two days, and an 80% chance in the next five, according to an 8 p.m. update Monday from the National Hurricane Center.

The update said conditions ahead of the system are marginally favorable for development and forecasters are continuing to predict slow development for the storm. The disturbance is moving slowly toward the waters east of the Leeward Islands at 5 to 10 mph.

A second system, a tropical wave, is expected to move off the west coast of Africa Monday night. In the 8 p.m. update, forecasters upgraded its chances of development to 20% in the next two days and 40% in the next five. Projections show the storm could develop slowly as it moves across the Atlantic and become a tropical depression — albeit a short-lived one.

By the end of the week, the tropical wave is expected to move over cooler waters, where it is not expected to develop further.

Another system, about 600 miles east of Bermuda, is expected to meet strong winds and dry air that likely will limit development. Forecasters say there is almost no chance of development over the next five days.

Forecasters also still are tracking a disturbance in the Caribbean Sea as of 8 p.m. Monday, but it, too, now is given a near 0% chance of development over the next five days.

• • •

2022 Tampa Bay Times Hurricane Guide

IT'S STORM SEASON: Get ready and stay informed at tampabay.com/hurricane.

RISING THREAT: Tampa Bay will flood. Here's how to get ready.

DOUBLE-CHECK: Checklists for building all kinds of hurricane kits

PHONE IT IN: Use your smartphone to protect your data, documents and photos.

SELF-CARE: Protect your mental health during a hurricane.

• • •

Rising Threat: A special report on flood risk and climate change

PART 1: The Tampa Bay Times partnered with the National Hurricane Center for a revealing look at future storms.

PART 2: Even weak hurricanes can cause huge storm surges. Experts say people don’t understand the risk.

PART 3: Tampa Bay has huge flood risk. What should we do about it?

INTERACTIVE MAP: Search your Tampa Bay neighborhood to see the hurricane flood risk.