Caribbean, August 3 (V7N) — The likelihood of hurricane formation in the Atlantic is rising significantly as sea surface temperatures in a critical region of the ocean climb well above seasonal norms. Meteorologist Michael Lowry of WPLG-TV reports that the Main Development Region (MDR)—a broad stretch of ocean between the Caribbean and West Africa—has undergone a noticeable spike in warmth in recent weeks.
 
“One of the biggest changes I’ve observed in recent weeks is a considerable warming of the so-called Main Development Region of the Atlantic above its seasonal averages,” Lowry wrote in a late July post on his Substack.
 
This warming marks a stark contrast from earlier in the season. In June, at the onset of the Atlantic hurricane season, ocean temperatures across the MDR were reported to be near or even below average. The shift suggests rapidly changing conditions more favorable to tropical cyclone development.
 
The MDR plays a central role in seasonal hurricane forecasting. It is the origin point for many of the Atlantic’s most powerful hurricanes. As tropical waves move westward off the coast of Africa, warm waters in the MDR provide the energy necessary to develop them into full-scale tropical storms or hurricanes.
 
With ocean temperatures continuing to rise, meteorologists are warning that the Atlantic may be heading into a more active phase as it nears the climatological peak of the hurricane season in August and September. Monitoring conditions in the MDR will remain a key priority for weather agencies in the weeks ahead.
 
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