Two Atlantic Tropical Waves: Caribbean Prepares for Rain as Mainland Threats Remain Low (Video)

Beneficial rain across the U.S. Virgin Islands may be the most immediate impact of two tropical systems that AccuWeather expert meteorologists are monitoring across the Atlantic Main Development Region.

AccuWeather hurricane experts say there is currently a very low chance of impacts to either Florida or the Southeast coast, but the tropical waves bear close watching.

A high-risk area near the Lesser Antilles is expected to bring beneficial rain to parts of the Caribbean this weekend. While some development remains possible before it reaches the islands, AccuWeather hurricane experts expect dry air and strong wind shear to become increasingly disruptive.

Potential Impacts from First Tropical Wave

• Beneficial rain this weekend: Rain could begin across the U.S. Virgin Islands as early as Friday night and continue through Saturday night. Around 1-2 inches of rain could fall in parts of the islands, providing welcome moisture to areas in need of rainfall.
• Limited wind threat: Rain is expected to be the primary impact, with significant wind impacts not anticipated at this time.
• Unlikely to reach the mainland U.S.: Strong wind shear near the islands is expected to weaken the wave significantly, making it unlikely that the system survives long enough to pose a threat to the mainland United States.

A Second Tropical Wave Right on Its Heels

Farther east, a newly identified wave behind it could become a concern next week and beyond. The tropical wave is moving off the west coast of Africa. Forecast models are showing increased support for the system, but it remains too early to determine how much it will strengthen or where it will ultimately track.

The two waves had previously been expected to merge, but they have remained separate and are expected to continue moving independently across the Atlantic.

The new wave could approach the Lesser Antilles and U.S. Virgin Islands early next week, though any potential impacts to the mainland United States would be late next week into next weekend at the earliest, roughly 10-12 days away.

Dry air and wind shear could also present challenges for the new wave as it crosses the Atlantic. AccuWeather hurricane experts say it could eventually track north of the islands, but there are multiple scenarios at this range.

Elsewhere in the Atlantic, Tropical Storm Cristobal has developed well to the northeast of Bermuda over the open Atlantic and poses no threat to land.