Southwestern Caribbean Could See More Tropical Weather in Weeks Ahead

The Caribbean may not have much of a chance to catch its breath before the next tropical weather event springs up. In the wake of the devastation unleashed by the Category 5 Hurricane Melissa, the Caribbean is being put on alert for the potential of more tropical development as the Atlantic hurricane season sprints toward the finish line. Here is a look at what meteorologists are keeping an eye on in the days and weeks ahead in the Atlantic basin.

All Eyes on the Southwestern Caribbean for Potential Tropical Weather Development

There is one month left in the 2025 Atlantic hurricane season. While storms tend to decrease in both frequency and intensity during the course of November, that does not mean that those in hurricane-prone areas can rest easy. Fresh on the heels of the record-breaking Melissa, meteorologists are already monitoring the Caribbean for new signs of tropical weather.

The waters in the Caribbean Sea are still warm enough to support the development of a named storm in the coming weeks. In addition to the warm temperatures at the surface, the water readings are sufficiently toasty in the deeper parts of the ocean. The depth of these warm temperatures makes it more likely that a disturbance that forms will grow and thrive. In addition, forecasters are concerned that a lack of wind shear in the near future will also pave the way for potential tropical weather.

The southwestern corner of the Caribbean will be the most likely area for development over the next few weeks. Although wind shear is increasing in other parts of the Atlantic thanks to an active jet stream, the atmosphere across the western Caribbean remains calm. This is notable as stiff upper-level winds are more likely to break apart storms as they try to form, limiting tropical activity.