BROOKHAVEN — The Daily Leader is keeping an eye on a tropical disturbance detected in the Atlantic Ocean by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Hurricane formation typically picks up in August to mid September.

At this time, the National Hurricane Center in Miami, Florida forecasts the chance of a tropical cyclone forming in the next seven days improved from 20 percent to 60 percent. According to the forecast graphics, a disturbance in the tropics is currently located near the leeward islands in the Caribbean Sea. Tropical cyclone formation chances improved for the disturbance as it nears an approaching tropical wave in the area.

“Environmental conditions are forecast to become conducive for some development thereafter, and a tropical depression could form later this week while the system is in the vicinity of the Greater Antilles or the Bahamas,” NHC states.

The National Hurricane Center advises that the southeastern US along with island nations in the Caribbean should keep an eye on the storm as it develops. One piece of good news is the chance of tropical cyclone formation in the next 48 hours is 0 percent.

Another tidbit of good news is August is the second lowest month for tornado activity in this area according to a NWS Jackson Database. The database includes tornadoes from 1880 to 2023.