Tropical Wave Brews in Atlantic, Raising Caribbean Concerns

As of October 17, 2025, forecasters are closely monitoring a tropical wave in the central Atlantic Ocean that is showing signs of organization and potential development. If this system strengthens into a tropical storm, it would be the 13th named storm of the 2025 Atlantic hurricane season and would likely be called Melissa.

According to meteorologists, interests in the Caribbean, from Jamaica to Puerto Rico, should closely monitor this tropical wave in the coming days. Atmospheric conditions in the region are primed for storm formation, with exceptionally warm waters in the Caribbean and low wind shear, which typically disrupts tropical systems. Experts warn that this tropical wave could rapidly organize into a tropical storm or even a hurricane as it moves across the Caribbean Sea next week.

While late-season hurricane strikes on the U.S. mainland are relatively rare, occurring about once every 15 years, Florida is often the target when they do occur. Of the dozen hurricanes that have hit the U.S. after October 22nd, about two-thirds have made landfall in the Sunshine State. As the 2025 Atlantic hurricane season enters its final stretch, forecasters urge residents and officials in the Caribbean and southeastern U.S. to remain vigilant and prepared for potential tropical threats.