A tropical wave south of the Cabo Verde Islands could strengthen into a tropical depression by the middle of this week, according to the National Hurricane Center.

The disturbance is producing showers and thunderstorms over the far eastern Atlantic, where conditions appear favorable for gradual development.

Forecasters say the system will track west to west-northwest at about 15 mph across the eastern and central Atlantic in the coming days.

The NHC gives it a 30% chance of developing within 48 hours, and a 70% chance within the next seven days.

If named, the storm would be called Gabrielle.

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(Image credit: National Hurricane Center)

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