It’s been 9 days since the last active tropical system in the Atlantic and 18 days since the last named storm – Tropical Storm Chris – formed. Of course, by the first week of July, the Atlantic managed to notch its most active start to a hurricane season on record – courtesy of long-lived, Category 5 Hurricane Beryl – and activity through July 18th is more like what we’d expect through the end of August.
Since we’re running a full 6 weeks ahead of schedule, the lull of the last week is welcome news, especially for those in places recently affected by Hurricane Beryl.
A continent-sized plume of Saharan dust continues to surge through the Atlantic today while the atmosphere remains in a stable configuration, with dry, sinking air stymieing organized development. This dust plume is expected to reach the shores of South Florida by the weekend, limiting otherwise widespread shower activity. The dust concentrations in the air over Florida hit its highest levels last Tuesday and Wednesday.
Saharan dust is likely at its annual peak this week over the tropical Atlantic and should taper down quickly into August.
For now, models show no signs of life in the Atlantic through next week so enjoy the continued tropical slumber.