1:30 PM | **”Long-tracking” tropical system to be closely monitored next several days…likely becomes a “major” hurricane (named Lee) and heads towards the US east coast** — Arcfield Weather

Later this week, environmental conditions will become even more favorable for strengthening and Lee is liable to climb all the way to “major” hurricane classification by the weekend (as a category 3 or higher). To begin with, wind shear will relax compared to current levels as high pressure ridging forms nearby over the central Atlantic Ocean. In addition, this system will begin to move over some very warm waters (near 30 degrees (C) of the tropical Atlantic as it approaches the Lesser Antilles.  Looking ahead, it appears the overall wind field will allow soon-to-be named Lee to bypass the Caribbean Sea and move to a position just to the northeast of the Lesser Antilles. Judging by past “major” hurricane tracks through this specific location, a path like this just to the northeast of the Lesser Antilles would open the door for a potential impact on the Bahama Islands and perhaps ultimately on US east coast.