Tropical Storm Dolly formed in the Central Atlantic on Thursday, August 27, becoming the fourth named storm of the 2026 Atlantic hurricane season. The storm is forecast to move west through the Atlantic but is expected to weaken significantly by Saturday as it approaches the Caribbean Islands.
Forecasters indicate that little strengthening of Dolly is anticipated. By Friday, the storm is projected to encounter increased wind shear and drier air, factors that will limit its development and contribute to its weakening. Current predictions suggest Dolly will degrade into an open wave before reaching the Leeward Islands over the weekend.
The naming of this storm as Dolly is purely coincidental, as tropical storm and hurricane names for the North Atlantic Basin are drawn from six rotating lists established by the World Meteorological Organization Hurricane Committee. The name Dolly replaced Diana after the 1990 hurricane season and was first used in 1996.
The 2026 Atlantic hurricane season has been relatively quiet through late August. Prior to Dolly, three other named storms had formed: Tropical Storm Arthur on June 17, which impacted the Gulf of Mexico; Tropical Storm Bertha, which formed in the northeastern Gulf of Mexico; and Tropical Storm Cristobal, which formed east-northeast of Bermuda.
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) updated its seasonal forecast in early August, now anticipating between 7 and 13 named storms for the remainder of the 2026 season. Of these, 2 to 6 could develop into hurricanes, with the possibility of 0 to 2 major hurricanes. This forecast suggests a below-average season, as a typical season sees 14 named storms, 7 hurricanes, and 3 major hurricanes.
The projected below-normal activity is largely attributed to El Niño conditions, which are developing and intensifying during the hurricane season and typically suppress tropical development. However, forecasters emphasize that even a single significant storm can make for a very bad season, underscoring the importance of preparedness for Aiken residents.
Aiken and the broader Central Savannah River Area are now entering the peak of Atlantic hurricane season, which historically spans from mid-August through mid-October. This period is typically the most active for tropical storm and hurricane development. Even though Tropical Storm Dolly is not expected to make landfall, residents are encouraged to review their hurricane preparedness plans. Essential items for an emergency kit include water, food, and first aid supplies. It is also advised to keep important documents in a waterproof container, establish a family communication plan, and be familiar with local evacuation routes.
