A tropical rainstorm in the Atlantic Ocean is predicted to develop into the first hurricane of the 2025 season this week. 

Meteorologists at AccuWeather have issued a warning that the system may soon be called Erin, potentially developing into a hurricane by August 14 and escalating to a Category 3 storm by August 16.

Chad Merrill, a senior meteorologist, stated: ‘There are several favorable conditions aiding its development, such as the absence of dust, warm sea temperatures, and minimal disruptive winds.’

The storm, currently referred to as Invest 97L, is reported by the National Hurricane Center (NHC) to have a 90 percent probability of evolving into a cyclone within the next week.

Spaghetti models showed it curving northward along the US East Coast, with the potential for landfall or a close approach.

A spaghetti model forecasts possible paths a tropical storm or hurricane might take, based on predictions from multiple weather computer programs. 

‘The upper-air pattern late this week favors it turning north and likely staying east of the US East Coast,’ Merrill added. 

‘However, rough surf and rip currents could increase along East Coast beaches next weekend into early the following week.’

Current spaghetti models for the storm, known as Invest 97L, show it curving northward along the US East Coast, with a possibility of making landfall or a close approach

The rainstorm formed off the western coast of Africa and is barreling toward the US through the Atlantic

Locally heavy rain and gusty winds are expected across the Cabo Verde Islands into early this week as the storm moves westward over the Atlantic. 

The system rates less than one on the AccuWeather RealImpact Scale for the islands. 

By late week, it is forecast to turn northward just north of the Caribbean.

‘Invest 97L has already drawn attention as a contender for the next named storm of the season (Erin),’ WeatherTiger meteorologist Ryan Truchelut told USA Today. 

The NHC noted the system will continue moving west to west-northwest at 15 to 20 mph across the eastern and central tropical Atlantic.

Meteorologist Jim Cantore wrote on X that there is strong confidence the system will intensify as it crosses the Atlantic. 

‘It’s already the best-looking wave of the season,’ he said. ‘Most reliable hurricane guidance makes it a hurricane by midweek. 

‘The question is how much. Does it stall? Is the timing of a mid-latitude trough in play or not? Lots to watch, but our first 2025 Atlantic hurricane, and then some, is highly probable.’

Meteorologists show a 90 percent chance of it developing into a cyclone this week, and believe it will reach hurricane status by Thursday. There are two other disturbances in the Atlanitc

Whether the storm stays well offshore, potentially threatening Bermuda, or shifts toward the US coastline remains uncertain.

The NHC is also monitoring AL96 in the Atlantic, a weak trough of low pressure producing only limited showers and thunderstorms. 

Significant development is unlikely as the system drifts northward, with just a 10 percent chance of formation over both the next 48 hours and the next seven days.

In addition, a non-tropical low-pressure system a few hundred miles south-southeast of Nova Scotia, Canada, is drifting over the warm waters of the Gulf Stream, where some tropical or subtropical development could occur within the next day or two. 

By midweek, however, it will move into cooler waters, ending its chances of development. 

The NHC also places its formation chance at 10 percent over the next 48 hours and seven days.