While no tropical cyclone formation is expected over the next seven days, the National Hurricane Center is keeping an eye on four tropical waves in the Atlantic basin.
“The average first named storm in the Atlantic is June 20, but development over the central and eastern basin looks unfavorable through June at this time,” said Alex DaSilva, AccuWeather lead hurricane expert.
The first named storm of the 2025 Atlantic hurricane season will be Andrea.
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Meanwhile, a heat dome is bringing sweltering temperatures to the eastern and central U.S.
A heat dome is an area of high pressure in the atmosphere with warm air trapped beneath it.
“Under high pressure, the air subsides — sinks — toward the surface. This sinking air acts as a dome capping the atmosphere, NOAA said.
Floridians will continue to feel the heat Saturday, June 21, with temperatures in the high 80s to mid-90s and the heat index topping triple digits across much of the state.
Here’s the latest advisory from the National Hurricane Center as of 8 a.m. June 21.
What’s out there and where is it?
The National Hurricane Center is monitoring four tropical waves in the Atlantic basin.
Why are the tropics so quiet in the Atlantic?
“Strong wind shear and an abundance of Saharan dust is helping to protect Florida,” DaSilva said.
There are “no concerns in the Atlantic for at least the next seven days. There is too much dry air and the wind shear is too high,” DaSilva said. “If anything develops in June it would likely be in the Bay of Campeche or far western Caribbean, where the shear is a little lower.”
“The average first named storm in the Atlantic is June 20 and the average first hurricane is Aug. 11. It is not really that unusual for the start of the season to be quiet. Water temperatures and ocean heat content remain very high in the Gulf.
“I think once we get more into the heart of the season, things could get very active. Expect a second-half loaded season.
Dry air, including associated Saharan dust, along with wind shear, both prevent tropical systems from developing or strengthening, essentially cutting off the fuel storms need.
Florida weather radar for June 21, 2025
Florida weather forecast for June 21, 2025
Florida rip current map for June 21, 2025
Among the changes the National Hurricane Center announced for the 2025 hurricane season was the addition of a rip current risk map.
➤ National Hurricane Center lays out changes coming for 2025 season. See what to expect
This new addition provided by the Hurricane Center will be provided for the current day, the next day, and as a composite showing the highest risk over both days for areas along the East and Gulf coasts of the United States, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands, and the coast of southern California.
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Weather watches and warnings issued in Florida
When is the Atlantic hurricane season?
The Atlantic hurricane season runs from June 1 through Nov. 30.
Ninety-seven percent of tropical cyclone activity occurs during this time period, NOAA said.
The Atlantic basin includes the northern Atlantic Ocean, Caribbean Sea and Gulf of America, as the Gulf of Mexico is now known in the U.S. per an order from President Trump. NOAA and the National Hurricane Center are now using Gulf of America on its maps and in its advisories.
When does hurricane season start? When is the peak?
The peak of the season is Sept. 10, with the most activity happening between mid-August and mid-October, according to the Hurricane Center. Hurricane season starts June 1 in the Atlantic basin.
National Hurricane Center map: See what forecasters watching now
Systems currently being monitored by the National Hurricane Center include:
Interactive map: Hurricanes, tropical storms that have passed near your city
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This article originally appeared on Naples Daily News: NHC tracks 4 tropical waves as heat dome scorches US. Florida heat index to top 100
Reporting by Kim Luciani and Cheryl McCloud, USA TODAY NETWORK – Florida / Naples Daily News
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
