Tropical depression could form this week, forecasters say

A disturbance in the far eastern Atlantic could become a tropical depression this week, the National Hurricane Center said.

As of 2 a.m. Tuesday, it had a 40% chance of developing in the next five days and a 20% chance of developing in the next 48 hours.

It was producing thunderstorms as it headed generally west across the Atlantic at 15 to 20 mph.

Gradual development is expected this week. Conditions are expected to be less favorable for its development by the weekend, according to the hurricane center.

The next named storm to form will be Danielle.

National Hurricane Center forecasters are tracking a disturbance in the far eastern Atlantic that could become a tropical depression this week. (National Hurricane Center)

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration last week updated predictions for activity this hurricane season.

Experts are now predicting 14 to 20 named storms and six to 10 hurricanes, with three to five of them a Category 3 or higher.

The statistical peak of the Atlantic hurricane season is Sept. 10.

There have been three named storms in the Atlantic so far this year: Alex, Bonnie and Colin. Tropical Storm Alex, the first named storm, dumped as much as 12 inches of rain on parts of South Florida.

The six-month-long hurricane season ends on Nov. 30.