A tropical disturbance in the Caribbean Sea is likely to develop into a tropical depression this week and, according to some initial computer models, may become Tropical Storm Sara – the 18th named storm of the 2024 Atlantic hurricane season.

A broad area of low pressure is expected to form over the western Caribbean Sea during the next couple of days. Environmental conditions appear conducive for some gradual development of this system thereafter, and a tropical depression could form late this week or this weekend while moving slowly westward.

Another tropical storm is likely to develop in the Caribbean late next week. This storm will be called “Rafael”. Here’s what the Hurricane Center says: “Southwestern Caribbean Sea:Disorganized showers and thunderstorms over the southwestern Caribbean Sea are associated with a broad area of low pressure.