The tropics have been unusually quiet so far this year. We have seen two tropical depressions, but we STILL have not had a named storm as of Thursday morning.

Tropical Depression Two is in the Atlantic, and while the official forecast from the National Hurricane Center is for some slow intensification the storm first has to hold together.

There is virtually NO thunderstorm activity over the low pressure circulation. The thunderstorms are necessary to warm the core of the low pressure, and without that warming things tend to fall apart. T.D. Two appears to be suffering from the African dust that is around the storm. That dust tends to choke off clouds and thunderstorms.

Again, some strengthening is possible if the thunderstorms can get going and hold on. Right now, I'm a little bit skeptical about any major intensification in the near future.

There are several other tropical waves that are flaring up across the Atlantic. One is just off the African coast, but it isn't looking very impressive this morning. I'll keep an eye on things and let you know what happens, but for now all's quiet aside from Tropical Depression Two.

Have a great Thursday!