Tropical Storm Barry Forms in the Gulf of Mexico

This Sunday, what began as Depression 2 in the Gulf of Mexico has transformed into Tropical Storm Barry. According to the latest report from the U.S. National Hurricane Center (NHC), Barry is a relatively weak system expected to bring heavy rainfall and tropical storm-force winds to Mexico's eastern coast. As the Atlantic's second named storm of the season, Barry poses no threat to Cuba.

Meanwhile, a region near Florida's peninsula in the southeastern United States shows a low chance of cyclonic development, which will require monitoring over the next week. The NHC suggests that a low-pressure area could emerge here due to a frontal system, potentially leading to the formation of a tropical or subtropical cyclone.

Weather Forecast for Cuba

For Cuba, the weather forecast predicts a hot afternoon with sporadic showers in the eastern regions. Most of the country will experience minimal cloud cover, as reported by the Institute of Meteorology. By late morning, the eastern region will see partial cloudiness, which may turn to overcast conditions with scattered showers, rain, and thunderstorms, mostly affecting the interior and southern territories. In contrast, the western and central areas are expected to have more isolated precipitation.

Active Hurricane Season Ahead

The Atlantic hurricane season runs from June 1 to November 30, with the NOAA forecasting an above-average year, predicting up to 19 named storms and 10 hurricanes—a concerning trend given the ocean's warming conditions. Concurrently, the Eastern Pacific has seen significant cyclonic activity, with five cyclones formed so far, including Hurricane Erick, which struck southern Mexico as a Category 3 hurricane, resulting in one fatality and considerable damage.

Experts from the Institute of Meteorology (INSMET) anticipate the formation of at least 15 tropical storms, with eight potentially reaching hurricane status, according to the Cuban News Agency report. Of the total expected named tropical cyclones, 10 are projected to originate in the Atlantic Ocean, three in the Caribbean Sea, and two in the Gulf of Mexico. Furthermore, there is a high probability (75%) of at least one hurricane forming and intensifying in the Caribbean, and a 50% chance for an Atlantic-origin hurricane to enter the Caribbean Sea.

In summary, the oceanic and atmospheric conditions across the Atlantic Ocean, Gulf of Mexico, and Caribbean Sea in 2025 are expected to support another active cyclone season.