As the current hurricane season nears its end with less than three weeks remaining, the National Hurricane Center (NHC) issued a warning on Monday about a 40 percent chance of a tropical depression forming in the western Caribbean Sea within the next week. "A broad area of low pressure is expected to develop over the western Caribbean Sea in the coming days. Environmental conditions appear favorable for the gradual development of this system thereafter," stated the NHC in its 7:00 a.m. bulletin.
The U.S. meteorological agency noted that "a tropical depression could form by the end of this week or over the weekend." For Cuba, there's a glimmer of hope as the phenomenon is currently moving slowly westward and, if it continues on this path, it might not affect the island, which recently endured the impact of two hurricanes in just two weeks: first Oscar in Guantánamo, followed by Rafael in Artemisa and Havana.
If a new tropical storm forms, it will be named Sara, marking the 18th storm in the current hurricane season. Mexico is closely monitoring the system, as its current trajectory could pose a significant threat to the Yucatán Peninsula.
Continued Meteorological Threats Despite Season's End
Although the 2024 Atlantic hurricane season officially ends on November 30, meteorological threats persist. Recently, another system, a trough of low pressure located in the eastern Caribbean Sea, also alarmed Cubans, especially those in the eastern part of the country, who were still reeling from the severe damage caused by Oscar.
Fortunately, the trough, which resulted in significant rainfall in La España and other Caribbean areas, did not cause any issues for Cuba. However, the island remains on high alert as the season draws to a close.