Tropical storm Cristobal forms in the Atlantic

Tropical Storm Cristobal formed Wednesday in the central Atlantic, becoming the third named storm of the 2026 Atlantic hurricane season, according to the National Hurricane Center (NHC).

Cristobal was located about 1,417 kilometers (880 miles) west of the Azores and was moving rapidly eastward at around 40 km/h (25 mph), with maximum sustained winds of 72 km/h (45 mph). The NHC said the storm poses no threat to populated areas and that no coastal watches or warnings are in effect.

The storm is expected to weaken within the next 24 to 48 hours as it moves over cooler waters. Its elongated structure and distance from land are expected to prevent significant impacts on the United States, the Azores, or the Iberian Peninsula.

Other systems being monitored

Cristobal’s formation comes as meteorologists closely monitor the tropical Atlantic ahead of the seasonal peak in activity. The NHC is tracking two additional areas with development potential, including a tropical wave with an 80% chance of development over the next 48 hours.

Despite the increased activity, none of the systems currently pose a direct threat to the Dominican Republic, according to Dominican meteorological authorities.