By Eric Berger From Chron

As expected, a tropical depression* has formed in the Atlantic.

*NOW TROPICAL STORM DANNY.

The depression is moving steadily westward toward the Caribbean Sea and is likely to become Tropical Storm Danny within a day or two.

It should reach the Caribbean Sea in five to seven days time. Along the way it will be battling dry air to its north, but as the system has come together so quickly I’d expect further strengthening to occur during the next several days. The depression could even become the Atlantic season’s first hurricane.

Once the system reaches the Caribbean wind shear — which tends to rip apart the circulation of tropical systems — is forecast to be fairly high.

If the storm survives this, which I’d rate as unlikely, any effects to the United States are at least 10 to 14 days off. Speculating about what and where those effects might be is pretty pointless right now because it’s beyond the ability of current forecasting technology.

Best now just to watch, and hope for wind shear to do its work.

IMAGES:
NHC
Water vapor image shows dry air to the north of the depression. (U.S. Navy)

For more on this story go to: http://blog.chron.com/weather/2015/08/tropical-depression-forms-in-the-atlantic-moves-west-toward-caribbean/

See also iNews Cayman Weather / TROPICS Tue Aug 18 2015 – UPDATE: TS Danny forms in Atlantic at: http://www.ieyenews.com/wordpress/for-latest-cayman-weather-go-to-www-weather-gov-ky/

ADD IMAGES: http://www.tropicaltidbits.com/storminfo/04L_gefs_latest.png

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