Tropics Update: Depression #7 Forms

Tropical Depression #7 just formed in the eastern Atlantic and will likely strengthen into Tropical Storm Earl later today. This system could be at hurricane strength in a few days.

The track of this system is similar to Danielle's, and the long-range data does not indicate that #7/Earl will reach the U.S. East Coast. However, it may be slightly more to the west of Danielle, which means we will be monitoring it very closely!

Danielle Likely To Be Joined By Earl

It is that time of year when activity in the Atlantic Basin typically picks up frequency. It appears this year is no exception. As soon as we get into the last week of August, climatologically speaking, tropical systems are much more likely to form as a result of favorable upper-level winds and very warm surface waters.

Several atmospheric waves have tracked west out of Africa recently, leading to the development of Hurricane Danielle, and another system soon to form in the eastern Atlantic, Tropical Depression #7. This will likely become Tropical Storm/Hurricane Earl in the coming days as it follows on the heels of Danielle.

There is a third wave still over western Africa that is about to move into the Atlantic, and that could eventually organize into a tropical system, too. Here is a fast-forward view of these three systems from a tropical model, looking ahead a week from today:
Danielle still looks like it will not impact the U.S., but Tropical Depression #7/Earl appears as though it will take a track more to the west of Danielle's. This means it could potentially impact Bermuda, or even track to the west of Bermuda closer to the East Coast. We'll be monitoring the next two systems after Danielle because of their potential tracks closer to the U.S. If you have beach plans anytime this week or next week anywhere on the East Coast, you'll be fine. It's after the end of next week that we will need to closely track #7 or #8 for any potential U.S. impacts. Stay with CBS6, we'll keep you ahead of the storm!

New Temperature Record At RIC

Tuesday's high temperature of 77 degrees broke a string of consecutive days with high temperatures of 80 degrees or hotter. Up until yesterday, there were 90 days in a row with high temperatures warmer than 80 degrees in Richmond. This marks the second longest stretch of 80-degree days on record, with 2005 still holding onto the top spot with 95 days. That streak ended September 23, 2005. Record-keeping of this kind goes back to 1897. Richmond was able to have such a "cool" day Tuesday because of an upper-level low pressure system parked right over the Commonwealth generating mostly cloudy skies and a north to northeast wind. This upper system will weaken and begin drifting east away from Virginia Wednesday, allowing for more sunshine and a return of high temperatures in the low to mid 80s.