Slow tropical development is possible off the Southeast or mid-Atlantic coasts over the next few days. A sluggish cold front is pushing through the South this weekend and an area of low pressure is expected to develop along it. These areas of spin can, on occasion, generate sustained thunderstorms and an area of spin as they move northeastward away from the Southeast. (MORE:5 Different Ways Tropical Storms And Hurricanes Can Form, Including From Tropical Waves To Gyres) Formation into a tropical depression or storm is not currently expected, but this is a favored area for development climatologically. Regardless of tropical development, the frontal boundary that gives us this opportunity for development will also pool abundant moisture and cooler air across the Southeast. The moisture could be enough to cause flooding in Alabama, Georgia, South Carolina or Tennessee this weekend. Parts of coastal Georgia and southern South Carolina, in particular, could see areas of flood where 3-6 inches of rain accumulate. The next named storm to form will be named "Dexter." A steep increase in tropical activity has historically occurred over the next 4-6 weeks across the Atlantic basin. Tropical development can occur anywhere from the Gulf and Southeast coasts to the Central Atlantic and even off the coast of Canada. (MORE:Hurricane Season's Main Event: Why August Typically Kicks Off The Atlantic's Most Active Time) This is because water temperatures are near their annual peak, Saharan air has typically mixed out, wind shear is decreasing and instability across the basin is high. These are all favorable conditions for tropical formation. Jonathan Belleshas been a digital meteorologist forweather.comfor 9 years and also assists in the production of videos for The Weather Channel en español. His favorite weather is tropical weather, but also enjoys covering high-impact weather and news stories and winter storms. He's a two-time graduate of Florida State University and a proud graduate of St. Petersburg College.
