Science
CROSS-SPECTRUMBROAD COVERAGE
Atlantic season stays hurricane‑free as Bermuda disturbance draws attention
The Atlantic basin has produced five tropical storms so far, none of which have reached hurricane strength. A weather system located about 350 miles east of Bermuda is being monitored, with the National Hurricane Center estimating a 40% chance of tropical development within the next 48 hours and a similar chance over the coming week. Forecasts suggest the system could move slowly and possibly turn south before conditions become less favorable later in the week. Meanwhile, the Pacific has seen several hurricanes and tropical storms near Hawaii.
Why it matters
A hurricane forming near Bermuda could bring hazardous conditions to the island and end an unusually quiet Atlantic season.
How this story developed
- Sep 10 Atlantic hurricane season sets record with no storms reaching hurricane strength
- Sep 21 The system, now classified as a hurricane, is positioned about 270 miles south-southeast of Manzanillo and 190 miles south-southwest of Zihuatanejo, with sustained winds of 80 mph. Forecasts suggest it could reach major-hurricane strength by Tuesday and maintain a trajectory offshore while dumping 4-8 inches of rain across Guerrero and Michoacan through Thursday. Tourist hubs such as Acapulco, Puerto Vallarta and Guadalajara may experience rough seas and gusty conditions, and the moisture could trigger flash-flood threats in the U.S. Southwest later in the week.
- Sep 23 Polo intensified to Category 5 with maximum sustained winds of 175 mph.
- Sep 24 Authorities opened shelters and deployed thousands of military and Red Cross personnel to assist affected communities.
- Sep 26 A disturbance east of Bermuda now shows a measurable chance of developing into a tropical cyclone.
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