A system of thunderstorms moving westward across the Atlantic could develop into a tropical depression sometime this week, though it's still too early to say what potential impacts, if any, Wilmington could face.
The National Hurricane Center is monitoring a system off the coast of Africa that could develop into a tropical depression as it moves toward the eastern United States. It was one of three systems alive in the Atlantic as of 8 a.m. Aug. 11, but the only one with a favorable chance at development.
Two tropical storms -- Arthur and Bertha -- have made landfall during the 2026 Atlantic hurricane season so far. If a third storm forms, it will get the name Cristobal.
Is tropical weather coming?
The National Hurricane Center is monitoring a system located about 500 miles
southwest of the Cabo Verde Islands. As of 8 a.m. Aug. 11, the system had a 30% chance of development over the next 48 hours and a 70% chance over the next 7 days, according to the hurricane center.
The system is following behind another tropical wave as they both move westward. According to AccuWeather, this could help the trailing system avoid the dry air that has limited other activity in the Atlantic as the first wave essentially paves the way for it.
"Where these systems ultimately track will be an important factor in determining how much they can strengthen," AccuWeather meteorologist Brandon Buckingham said. "Stronger wind shear near the Caribbean would likely disrupt the organization of either feature, while a track farther north could allow the trailing wave to maintain better structure over warm Atlantic waters."
North Carolina weather radar
Weather in Wilmington
It's too early to determine what impacts the tropical systems might bring to the North Carolina coast. Here's a look at the National Weather Service forecast for Wilmington over the next few days.
- Tuesday, Aug. 11: Sunny, with a high near 94. Heat index values as high as 106. Southwest wind 7 to 10 mph, with gusts as high as 15 mph.
- Wednesday, Aug. 12: Sunny, with a high near 95. Heat index values as high as 108. West wind 5 to 7 mph.
- Thursday, Aug. 13: Mostly sunny, with a high near 95. Calm wind becoming south 5 to 8 mph in the morning.
- Friday, Aug. 14: Mostly sunny, with a high near 95.
Charlie Kingree is the Pender County and trending topics reporter for the StarNews. He can be reached at ckingree@usatodayco.com.
This article originally appeared on Wilmington StarNews: A tropical depression could be forming. Will it impact Wilmington?
