— The chances of a tropical wave developing in the Atlantic have increased to 50% over the next seven days , with forecasters saying a tropical depression could form later this week.

The system, identified as Disturbance 2 , is expected to move off the west coast of Africa early this week.

Environmental conditions are forecast to become increasingly favorable for gradual development as the disturbance moves generally westward to west-northwestward across the eastern and central tropical Atlantic.

The latest outlook puts the chance of formation at near zero during the next 48 hours , increasing to a medium 50% chance through seven days.

The National Hurricane Center’s seven-day outlook shows a broad potential development area extending westward across the tropical Atlantic.

While it remains far from the Lesser Antilles and there is no immediate threat to Antigua and Barbuda , its projected westward movement means the system will warrant monitoring over the coming days.

Residents are encouraged to follow updates from the Antigua and Barbuda Meteorological Service as forecasters monitor the system’s development and eventual track.

This article was originally published by Antigua News Room. Read the original article here: Tropical Wave Now Has 50% Chance of Developing as It Moves Across Atlantic.