Tropical wave forms in Atlantic with potential to strengthen

A new tropical disturbance has formed over the eastern tropical Atlantic, according to the latest forecast from the United States National Hurricane Center.

The system, described as a tropical wave, is producing disorganised showers and thunderstorms. Conditions in the atmosphere and ocean are expected to gradually become more favourable for development later this week.

Forecasters put the chance of the disturbance becoming a tropical depression at 10 per cent in the next 48 hours and 60 per cent over the next seven days. The wave is moving westward to west-northwestward at about 20 miles per hour and could reach the vicinity of the Leeward Islands by Friday.

Meteorologists are monitoring the system closely. If thunderstorms become more organised and a defined circulation develops, it could be classified as a tropical depression.

The Atlantic hurricane season runs from June to November and this year has been forecast to be more active than average.