The National Hurricane Center (NHC) is monitoring a tropical wave in the central Atlantic that has a 40% chance of developing into a tropical depression or storm, potentially impacting Florida.

Forecasters anticipate that this system will approach the Lesser Antilles early next week and move near the Greater Antilles later in the week.

The long-range forecast indicates a broad area of concern that includes the Caribbean, Bahamas, and extends to the Florida peninsula.

Currently, it remains uncertain whether the tropical wave will develop into a named storm, which could potentially be called Tropical Storm Debby.

As the system moves toward the Caribbean Sea, conditions are expected to become more favorable for strengthening.

Predicting the path of systems without developed circulation poses challenges for meteorologists.

Recent weeks have seen heavy Saharan dust from Africa, which has inhibited tropical development despite warmer ocean temperatures.

This Atlantic hurricane season has already produced three named systems, including Hurricane Beryl, which impacted the Caribbean and the U.S. in early July.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) predicts an above-average hurricane season, with 17 to 25 named storms expected.

While the chance of formation is near zero in the next 48 hours, it increases to 40% over the next week.

The NHC is actively providing updates on the situation, urging residents to stay informed through local news and meteorologists on social media.