A tropical depression could form over the Atlantic later this week as forecasters monitor a tropical wave expected to emerge from the west coast of Africa.

As of 8 a.m. EDT Sunday, Aug. 9, the system had a 40% chance of developing into a tropical cyclone during the next seven days, according to the latest Tropical Weather Outlook.

The tropical wave is expected to move off Africa early this week before encountering environmental conditions forecast to become conducive for gradual development.

Forecasters said a tropical depression could form during the latter half of the week as the system moves generally westward across the eastern and central tropical Atlantic.

The chance of formation remains near zero during the next 48 hours but increases to 40% through seven days.

The system is one of two tropical waves currently being monitored across the Atlantic.

Another tropical wave, located west-southwest of the Cabo Verde Islands, has a 20% chance of development over the next seven days as it moves westward. Conditions could become less favorable for development as that system approaches the Lesser Antilles later this week.

Neither system is currently a tropical depression or tropical storm.

Residents of Antigua and Barbuda and the wider Lesser Antilles are encouraged to continue monitoring forecasts as the systems move across the Atlantic.

Source: Antigua News Room Tropical Depression Could Form This Week as Atlantic System’s Development Chance Rises to 40%.