Tropical Storm Dolly downgraded to ‘open tropical wave’ as it heads to Caribbean

Tropical Storm Dolly has been downgraded to an “open tropical wave” as it moves across the Atlantic Ocean toward the Leeward Islands, potentially bringing heavy rainfall to parts of the Caribbean this weekend, according to the US National Hurricane Center (NHC). The downgrade came on Friday, as forecasters determined that Dolly was no longer classified as a tropical storm. Forming on Thursday, Dolly initially had maximum sustained winds of near 40 mph (65 km/h) with higher gusts recorded on Friday morning. By late afternoon, the NHC announced that the system had transitioned into an open tropical wave, indicating a loss of organized convection and a reduction in its potential for further development. This classification means that while Dolly is no longer considered a threat for strengthening, its remnants could still generate significant weather impacts. In an update titled “Remnants of Dolly,” the NHC issued a warning that heavy rains from the storm’s remnants might affect the Leeward Islands starting late on Saturday and continuing through Sunday. These rains could extend into the Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico, and Hispaniola by Sunday and Monday. The advisory noted that such precipitation could lead to flash flooding in elevated areas of the Leeward Islands, prompting local authorities to monitor the situation closely. The Leeward Islands span from the Virgin Islands to Guadeloupe, with the Caribbean Sea to their west and the Atlantic to their east. Hispaniola, home to Haiti and the Dominican Republic, lies east of Puerto Rico. While no coastal watches or warnings are currently active, residents in these regions are advised to remain vigilant due to the potential for disruptive weather. Online discussions have centered around the storm's name, with some observers noting that it coincided with the recent passing of country music icon Dolly Parton. However, the NHC clarified that the name was chosen randomly from a pre-established list of names managed by the World Meteorological Organization (WMO). These names follow a six-year cycle, with each year featuring alternating male and female names. Dolly is the fourth name on the 2026 list, marking it as the fourth named storm of the upcoming Atlantic hurricane season. This season has so far been less active than average, with several factors contributing to the subdued activity. Forecasters from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) cited El Niño conditions emerging in the equatorial Pacific in June as a key influence. El Niño typically enhances wind shear, which inhibits the formation of tropical storms or limits their ability to intensify once they form. Earlier this summer, Tropical Storm Arthur delivered heavy rainfall to the US Gulf Coast, while Tropical Storm Bertha made landfall in Louisiana, bringing both rain and strong winds. In early July, Tropical Storm Cristobal developed but quickly dissipated before reaching more intense stages. These examples illustrate the variability of the current hurricane season, with some systems forming and dissipating rapidly. As the season progresses, continued monitoring will be essential to track any new developments.