Forecasters eye southwest Atlantic, eastern Pacific early in hurricane season

AccuWeather meteorologists are tracking areas in the Gulf of Mexico, northwestern Caribbean, and southwestern Atlantic for potential tropical storm formation in early June. The Atlantic hurricane season begins June 1, while the eastern Pacific season started May 15. Slow-moving fronts and low-pressure zones in the Gulf and near Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula could fuel development, though disruptive wind shear currently limits activity. A broad zone of clouds, showers, and thunderstorms will persist across the region through mid-June, possibly spreading moisture into the southeastern U.S. and easing localized drought conditions. However, the lack of organization has so far prevented widespread flash flooding. The Madden-Julian Oscillation (MJO), a global atmospheric wave, may reduce wind shear by mid-June, enhancing thunderstorm activity in the Gulf, Caribbean, and southwestern Atlantic. This could strengthen tropical disturbances or even spawn multiple cyclones, though development chances remain low for now. If a tropical system forms, its location will determine impacts: western Gulf activity could affect Louisiana and Texas, while eastern formations may target Florida. Experts emphasize monitoring the region through June’s first two weeks. Meanwhile, the eastern Pacific may see 2–3 developing systems within the next 10 days. AccuWeather’s lead hurricane expert, Alex DaSilva, advises vigilance as conditions shift, though no tropical development is guaranteed.