Tropical Update: The tropics are beginning to get more active. Watching!

ncwxauthority

August 11, 2026 at 2:20:12 PM

🌀 Tropical Update: Good afternoon, everyone. I'm sure everyone is sick of working on this fine Tuesday, so as you take your scroll break from work, I thought you'd love to read my tropical update. In true fashion as we head toward the start of schools/colleges, the tropics are coming alive, and this year is no different. I am, and forecasters at the National Hurricane Center are monitoring two main areas for potential tropical development in the Atlantic Ocean and two areas in the Pacific Ocean, with one showing a potential threat to Hawaii.

In the Atlantic, we have an area of disturbed weather in the North Atlantic moving away from the United States that has a low chance 20% of some Tropical Development over the next 5-7 days, but does not pose any threat to NC!

Down in the Main Development Region of the Atlantic, we've had several tropical waves that are moving off Africa over the next 5-10 days, and some are trying to show signs of development. There is now a 70% from the National Hurricane Center that a Tropical Depression or Storm will develop in this area. There remains high wind shear and dry air, so it'll face an uphill battle as it moves generally westward across the Atlantic. Since the system has not even developed, let's take models with a grain of salt and not jump to too many conclusions, but the threat to North Carolina at this point is rather low. So there's no reason to worry at this point.

Image 2: Is a graphic I created to give you an idea how long it takes tropical systems to travel across the Atlantic Ocean (NOT A FORECAST), just an example. This location is 10-14 days away, and it may not even survive the trek across. There could be some enhanced moisture to parts of the Caribbean Islands which they very much need.

Over in the Pacific, there is an area of disturbed weather over 1k miles east southeast of the Hawaiian Islands that has a high chance of becoming a Tropical Depression or Storm. Interests in the Hawaiian Islands should closely

monitor the progress of this system.

I'll keep you posted all season long; nothing to worry about right now in NC!

Mountains

110°F

Raleigh area

CADEN NELSON

Hurricane Milton expected to become a Major Hurricane and bring significant impacts to Florida. Then move into the Atlantic Ocean

Ethan Clark
Oct 6, 2024
1 min read

Hurricane Milton Update: Today, Hurricane Milton has continued to rapidly strengthen over the Gulf of Mexico. It is expected to become a Major Hurricane and strengthen into a Cat 4 Hurricane with winds of 145MPH on Tuesday afternoon before weakening a little bit as it approaches the West Coast of Florida. There is an increasing risk of life-threatening storm surge and damaging winds along the Florida coastline; please follow advice from the National Hurricane, local officials, and emergency management offices over the next few days and leave if asked to evacuate.

North Carolina: I've had copious questions regarding impacts on North Carolina; I know people are really concerned about whether it'll impact NC. At this time, most models do not show a direct hit, and I like the look and our odds. So far, I think we will see mainly increased Rip Currents and some High Surf at the minimal along the coast. Central and Western NC, no impacts are expected! Along the coast, we could see an increase in moisture leading to some rain chances Thursday and Friday, but it'll depend on how close the system travels by NC. I'll watch it, but as of now high pressure will keep the system offshore of North Carolina! There is no reason to worry at this point; if anything changes I'll let you know. Otherwise, quiet weather is expected across the state this week!

-Ethan