Quiet Atlantic; possible development near Nicaragua this weekend

The Atlantic is currently quiet, but all four reliable models are forecasting a tropical depression may form in the extreme southern Caribbean on Saturday or Sunday. The storm is expected to move westward, and hit southern Nicaragua on Monday. The extreme southern Caribbean is the only region of the tropical Atlantic with low enough wind shear to support tropical cyclone formation in the coming week. Residents of Costa Rica and Nicaragua should anticipate the possibility of heavy rains this weekend, and a tropical disturbance is already bringing heavy rains to these countries today. Wind shear is expected to be 20-40 knots for the next 48 hours, which should prevent any development until Saturday.

Wunderblogger Mike Theiss has posted his chase account of 'Noreaster Noel in Nova Scotia. The 100+ foot high wave he saw was quite impressive!

Jeff Masters