Tropical Development Possible Near Florida as June Begins

The official start of the Atlantic hurricane season is still about a week away. However, meteorologists are already watching a potential area of development in the far southwestern corner of the Atlantic. Will this potential area of concern impact any parts of the U.S.? Read on for all of the details.

Early-Season Tropical Activity Possible Heading Into June

The formal beginning of the 2026 Atlantic hurricane season is Monday, June 1. While this is the official start date, Mother Nature does not always abide by the rules. It is not unusual for tropical activity to fire up outside of the parameters of the season. Forecasters are keeping close tabs on the southwestern Atlantic Ocean, as atmospheric conditions heading into the first few weeks of June are signaling that tropical development is possible.

This part of the Atlantic basin is adjacent to Florida and the coastline of the southeastern U.S., in addition to Cuba and the Bahamas. Unlike most Atlantic tropical features originating off the coast of Africa, what is known as home-brew developments are the most likely in this part of the ocean. Home-brew systems are also most likely to form in the early part of the season when conditions become more favorable for tropical activity.

Meteorologists watch for pronounced dips in the jet stream this time of the year to determine when and where tropical weather could come to life. The long-range forecast models indicate that one such dip is likely to arrive at the beginning of June. This dip will work to bring up moisture from the Caribbean, fueling a large zone of rain showers and thunderstorms. There is a small chance that this area of moisture could evolve into the first tropical rainstorm or depression of the young season.