Tracking the Tropics: Ophelia Stays Over Ocean, Philippe Heads West

There still has not been too much concern for the US mainland with regards to tropical cyclones over the past few weeks and it looks like it'll stay that way at least for the next several days. 

Let's go over the latest on Ophelia and Philippe.

As of 11AM EST this morning, Tropical Storm Ophelia has top winds of 50 miles per hour, moving to the North-Northwest at around three miles per hour. Ophelia poses no threat to land until crossing Bermuda this weekend as you can see by the latest projected path from the National Hurricane Center below.

Philippe is the storm we should keep a closer eye on. As of 11AM EST this morning, Philippe is a tropical storm with maximum sustained winds of 40 miles per hour. This storm is moving to the West-Northwest at 12 miles per hour and is expected to take a more Westward turn by this weekend. 

The good news about Philippe; however, is that I do expect this storm to weaken back to a tropical depression and stay at that strength at least through this weekend. You can see Philippe's latest forecast track below.

Tracking the Tropics: Latest on Ophelia and Hilary!

The tropics still remain not as busy as they could be right now, with only one active storm in the Atlantic and one over the Eastern Pacific waters. 

Remember, the 2011 Hurricane Season ends November, so there is still plenty of time for more storms to develop -- let's just hope they stay away from land! 

In the Atlantic right now we have Tropical Storm Ophelia. Ophelia has top winds at 65 miles per hour as of 5AM Thursday morning, moving to the West at 14 miles per hour. She's expected to remain a tropical storm through Tuesday even though she wouldn't have to strengthen much more to be classified as a hurricane. The reason Ophelia likely won't reach hurricane status over the next several days is due to strong upper level winds in the atmosphere that will actually help to weaken the storm a bit.

Tropical storm winds extend out to around 230 miles. You can see Ophelia's latest projected path as issued by the National Hurricane Center below.

Meanwhile, in the Eastern Pacific, Tropical Storm Hilary is close to becoming a hurricane with maximum winds at 70 miles per hour. 

Currently, a tropical storm warning is in effect for Lagunas De Chacahua Mexico Westward to Punta San Telmo and a tropical storm watch is in effect for West of Punta San Telmo to Manzanillo. 

Hilary should strengthen to a hurricane today and could be a major hurricane by this weekend. You can see Hilary's latest track below.