Tropical Storm Cristobal has formed in the central Atlantic, but it is no threat to the United States. Cristobal is tracking east-northeast and is expected to remain relatively weak.

The system has a short-lived forecast and is not expected to last long.

While we are keeping tabs on Cristobal, we are also tracking two tropical waves in the central and eastern tropical Atlantic.

The westernmost disturbance, Invest 92L, has the better chance of developing and is likely to become a tropical depression within the next couple of days as it moves toward the Caribbean.

If 92L organizes, it is unlikely to become very strong. The system will be battling Saharan dust and powerful upper-level winds that would likely prevent significant strengthening. If it remains weak or disorganized, it could prove to become a beneficial rain-maker for many of the Caribbean islands

Behind 92L, is a second disturbance that has shown growing signs of eventual development in recent weather models. There is lots of disagreement on its eventual track, if it forms in the first place. Its trajectory would carry it closer to the Lesser Antilles early next week.

The next tropical storm that develops would take the name Dolly. For Tampa Bay, there are no concerns at this time.

The Main Development Region is showing signs of life with two tropical waves in the Atlantic we’re watching for development, along with another area 1,000 east-northeast of Bermuda.

The area highlighted in red, Invest 92L, has an 80% chance to form and the disorganized cluster of thunderstorms is just to the south of Saharan dust and hostile upper winds.

Invest 92L is currently about 900 miles west-southwest of the Cabo Verde Islands and has a good chance of becoming a tropical depression later this week into the weekend as it moves west to northwest.

Despite a pocket of strong wind shear to the north and dry air, it’s sitting over warm enough waters to slowly strengthen with environmental conditions favorable enough the next few days for tropical development.

That shear and Saharan dust could limit development in the long-term as the system moves in the general direction of the Lesser Antilles and Caribbean Islands.