Tracking the tropics: Tropical depression 11 forms in the Atlantic

Tropcial depression 11 has formed in the Atlantic, according to the National Hurricane Center's 5 p.m. update.  

AccuWeather meteorologists expect it to strengthen into Tropical Storm Josephine within the next two days and then weaken. 

NHC experts are expecting significant weakening later this week when the depression is forecast to meet with a southwesterly shear seen on satellite imagery.

At the 5 p.m. update, tropical depression 11 was located about 1450 miles east of the Lesser Antilles Islands. It is moving toward the west near 16 mph with maximum sustained winds near 35 mph with higher gusts. 

More: NOAA updates hurricane season forecast, predicting up to 25 named storms, highest number ever

Peak period of hurricane season approaching

AccuWeather forecasters said the Atlantic basin may become active this week, following a brief lull after Hurricane Isaias made landfall in North Carolina.

Forecasters are watching several tropical waves moving off the west coast of Africa. This area will be the area at greatest risk for tropical development in the short term.

More: CSU revises hurricane forecast; named storms could be double that of average year

"This phenomenon is referred to as the Cabo Verde season, named for the group of islands off the northwest coast of Africa," said AccuWeather Senior Meteorologist Alex Sosnowski.

"The Cabo Verde season represents the backbone of the Atlantic hurricane season with most tropical systems from late August through early October stemming from one of these tropical waves," he added.

Closer to the U.S., atmospheric conditions are working to suppress any tropical development, according to AccuWeather.

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