2 new tropical disturbances are brewing in the Atlantic. Will either hit Hilton Head?
Even though fall has officially arrived, that doesn’t mean hurricane season is in the rearview just yet.
The National Hurricane Center is now monitoring two tropical disturbances in the Atlantic.
Here’s what Hilton Head and Beaufort County residents should know about these areas, chances of development over the coming days and what to expect weather-wise this weekend:
Tropical disturbances in the Atlantic
Central Tropical Atlantic development
This tropical wave is expected to move off the coast of Africa today. While the system shows no signs of near-term development, the National Hurricane Center gives it a 40% chance of formation over the next seven days, with a tropical depression possibly forming near or east of the Lesser Antilles in the Caribbean Sea by late next week.
While this disturbance poses no immediate threat to the Southeast, here’s a snapshot of what to expect over the next few days, per the NHC:
- 48-hour formation chance: Near 0%
- 7-day formation chance: 40%
Southwestern Atlantic disturbance near the Bahamas
Inching closer to the Florida area, this weak low-pressure area has developed near the central Bahamas. This system is expected to linger near Florida and the Bahamas over the weekend.
The NHC states that strong winds should limit tropical development; the system will continue to bring heavy rain to parts of Florida and the Bahamas through the weekend.
Here’s what to expect over the next few days for this development:
- 48-hour formation chance: 10%
- 7-day formation chance: 10%
What advisories are still in effect?
As of Friday morning, the National Weather Service Charleston office is still issuing high surf, rip current and small craft advisories for the Hilton Head and Beaufort County coastline as northeast winds are still creating rough seas.
These advisories are expected to remain in effect until Saturday. Beachgoers, swimmers and boaters are urged to exercise extreme caution.
Weekend forecast: Breezy with a chance of rain
Here’s the latest weather outlook this weekend for the Hilton Head area, according to the NWS:
- Friday: Mostly sunny and breezy, with a high near 80 degrees. This evening, temperatures will dip to the 70s, with a 20% chance of showers after 2 a.m.
- Saturday: Partly sunny, with a 20% chance of afternoon showers and storms. High near 81 degrees and lows around 73 degrees. There is a 30% chance of showers and thunderstorms in the evening.
- Sunday: The wettest day of the weekend. Showers and thunderstorms become more likely by the afternoon and evening, with a 60% chance of rain. High near 80 degrees. Rainfall totals could reach up to half an inch during the day, and 1 to 2 inches possible overnight.
What to expect next week
Here’s what the NWS predicts for the Hilton Head area during the early part of next week:
- Monday: 60% chance of showers and thunderstorms. Some storms could bring heavy rainfall. High near 79 degrees.
- Tuesday: A 40% chance of showers and storms with partial sun.
- Wednesday and Thursday: Dryer days with a 20% chance of isolated showers and storms. Highs in the upper 70s to low 80s.
The Atlantic hurricane season concludes on Nov. 30.
