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Second Storm of Season? Bertha Threatens Florida Coast
30 Jun
Summary
- A low-pressure system off the U.S. Southeast coast may become Tropical Storm Bertha.
- Forecasters give the system a 10% chance of tropical formation in the next 48 hours.
- El Niño conditions are expected to contribute to a quieter Atlantic hurricane season.
A developing area of low pressure off the southeastern U.S. coast is being monitored for potential tropical storm formation, possibly becoming Tropical Storm Bertha. Currently, the system is poorly organized with only a 10 percent chance of development in the next 48 hours. Forecasters indicate that environmental conditions are becoming less favorable as it approaches Florida.
If this system organizes sufficiently and is named, it would be the second named storm of the 2026 Atlantic hurricane season. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) anticipates a relatively quiet season with eight to 14 named storms, influenced by developing El Niño conditions that typically increase wind shear over the Atlantic. Despite a below-average forecast, destructive landfalls remain a possibility.
While wind shear is not currently strong, dry air is expected to hinder development. A heat dome over the Midwest and East Coast may also be contributing dry air. If tropical development occurs, it would likely happen near the Gulf Stream around July 1 or 2. The primary risks associated with this system, even without full tropical storm formation, include enhanced surf and increased rip currents along Florida's eastern coast up through the Carolinas, beginning as early as Tuesday afternoon.
