NHC sees tropical storm "Dolly" forming in the eastern Atlantic

Where is the system forming?

The Cape Verde Islands lie off the coast of West Africa in the eastern Atlantic. Tropical systems that form in this region are known as so-called Cape Verde storms. Some of them move across the Atlantic and can, under favorable conditions, reach hurricane strength before reaching the Caribbean, Central America, or the US coast.

In the current hurricane season in the Atlantic basin, tropical storms are named according to a naming list established by the World Meteorological Organization. As soon as a system reaches sustained wind speeds of at least 63 kilometers per hour, it receives a name from this list. "Dolly" would be the next name in the current season.

How are storms named?

The Atlantic hurricane season officially runs from June 1 to November 30. During this period, most tropical cyclones typically occur. The NHC generally updates its forecasts every six hours and issues special warnings when needed.

The list of names for the current season follows a rotating alphabet that is reused every six years. Names of storms that have caused particularly severe damage are retired and replaced by others. In previous seasons, several storms have already carried the name "Dolly".

The NHC also pointed out that the exact track and intensity of such systems are currently still uncertain. It will therefore continue to be monitored whether the low-pressure system actually reaches storm status. According to the current state of affairs, there is no immediate threat to inhabited areas.

Which regions are affected?

The responsible authorities in the potentially affected areas – including the Caribbean, the Gulf of Mexico, and the East and Gulf coasts of the United States – are being informed about the development. The NHC cooperates in its assessment with regional weather services, including partners in Mexico and the Cape Verde Islands.

Should the system develop into a fully formed hurricane, it would be classified as Hurricane "Dolly". The NHC currently classifies the system as a "Potential Tropical Cyclone," a category used to provide early indication of possible storm or hurricane development.

What is the status of the season?

Residents of the Cape Verde Islands and maritime traffic in the region are urged to follow further NHC bulletins. Hourly updates are expected in the coming days.

The 2026 Atlantic hurricane season is expected by the NHC to be above average in activity. Researchers attribute this, among other factors, to elevated water temperatures in the Atlantic, which can favor the formation of tropical systems.