Invest 97-L is likely to develop this week, but is currently far out in the Atlantic

LAKE CHARLES, La. (KPLC) – There are a couple waves we’re watching in the tropics, though one moving away from Africa has the bulk of our attention.

A wave dubbed Invest 97-L is moving west of the Cape Verde Islands, and is yet another sign that we’re getting closer to the peak of the season. It is likely to develop into the next named system (Erin) this week as it heads west-northwest into the Atlantic. For now, most early models suggest it may head north of the Leeward Islands which would be good for our area and the Gulf. However, keep in mind that it’s still several thousand miles away and there is no center yet to track. Until a center forms, models can and likely will change on its future track and intensity. So right now there’s no need for concern here in SWLA, but as always we’ll keep a close watch on it and the rest of the basin.

Elsewhere in the tropics, a wave in the central Atlantic has been struggling with dry air and is unlikely to develop. Even if it were to become a storm, it will remain out to sea anyways.

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