The National Hurricane Center is tracking four active tropical waves across the Atlantic basin, according to advisory updates issued on September 6, 2026. While these atmospheric disturbances serve as the primary seedlings for tropical storms during the hurricane season, forecasters report that no tropical cyclone formation is expected across the Atlantic, Caribbean, or Gulf of America over the subsequent week.
Current Tracking of Atlantic Tropical Waves
According to the National Hurricane Center in Miami, Florida, the four monitored waves span various coordinates across the tropical Atlantic and Caribbean:
- The first wave features an axis near 22W, south of 20N, moving westward at 10 to 15 knots, with scattered moderate convection noted between 08N and 12N and 22W to 25W.
- The second wave is positioned near 37N, south of 20N, moving westward at 10 to 15 knots, accompanied by scattered showers near the axis and south of 15N.
- The third wave lies near 68W, south of 20N, traveling westward at 10 to 15 knots, showing scattered showers near its northern end between 65W and 70W.
- The fourth wave sits near 79W, extending from central Cuba southward into the far eastern Pacific, though no significant convection is currently observed in Caribbean waters alongside this system.
Meteorological Context and Storm Development Probabilities
As noted by AccuWeather lead hurricane expert Alex DaSilva, these systems consist of shower and thunderstorm groupings that function as the starting points for numerous tropical storms throughout the Atlantic season. Approximately 60 tropical waves cross the Atlantic each year, with roughly 10 percent to 15 percent developing into tropical systems, representing about one in seven waves. These disturbances contribute to roughly 80 percent of all major hurricanes.
Despite this activity, current conditions pose no threat to Florida or the United States mainland. National Hurricane Center Deputy Director Jamie Rhome noted that hatched areas on the tropical outlook map indicate regions where a tropical depression, tropical storm, or hurricane could potentially develop, utilizing color classifications of orange for medium probability and red for high probability. Low-development potential disturbances will be designated on the 2026 tropical outlook using a gray X.
Seasonal Timeline and Operational Updates
The Atlantic hurricane season runs officially from June 1 through November 30. Data from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration indicates that 97 percent of tropical cyclone activity occurs during this window. Throughout the 2026 season, agencies including NOAA and the National Hurricane Center are officially using the term “Gulf of America” on maps and in advisories, following an order from President Trump.
Forecasters emphasize that while the tropics remain calm, conditions can change rapidly. The National Hurricane Center generally does not issue advisories until a named storm forms, with the exception of systems near land that present a potential for development, allowing residents adequate time to prepare.