Havana: Experts have increased the probability of a tropical depression forming to 80 percent, with expectations that the weather disturbance could evolve into a storm as it progresses northward through the Caribbean Sea, potentially impacting Cuba.

According to Lao News Agency, the U.S. National Hurricane Center has issued a warning regarding the AL97 disturbance in the current Atlantic and Caribbean cyclonic season. This system is currently presenting disorganized rainfalls and thunderstorms linked to a broad area of low pressure over the southwestern Caribbean Sea.

The National Hurricane Center anticipates gradual development of this system, predicting that a tropical depression could form within the next couple of days as it moves north-northwest across the central and western Caribbean Sea. The Center cautioned that, irrespective of development, significant rainfalls are expected over parts of the western Caribbean, including Jamaica, Hispaniola, and Cuba.

The weather authority also stated that ind
ividuals with interests in the western Caribbean Sea should closely monitor the system’s progress, as tropical storm watches or warnings might be issued for certain areas today or tonight. The current hurricane season, which commenced on June 1 and concludes on November 30, is nearing its end but remains active.

Meteorologists recently warned of increased activity towards the end of this cycle, an uncommon phenomenon for this time, due to ideal conditions such as low wind shear and record high ocean temperatures. These factors are conducive to the formation of low pressure systems that may develop into hurricanes. This situation is linked to the Madden-Julian Oscillation, an atmospheric wave originating in the tropics with a 30 to 60-day cycle.