New Delhi, Aug. 11 -- ropical rainstorm in the eastern Atlantic has strengthened into Tropical Storm Erin and could rapidly intensify into the first hurricane-and possibly the first major hurricane-of the 2025 season later this week, according to AccuWeather meteorologists.

The system began as a cluster of thunderstorms off the African coast last week, developing into a tropical rainstorm near the Cabo Verde Islands on Sunday morning. By Monday, Erin had moved westward into open Atlantic waters, aided by warm seas, minimal wind shear, and a dust-free environment.

"Several factors are working in its favor, including lack of dust, warm water and a lack of disruptive breezes (wind shear)," said AccuWeather Senior Meteorologist Chad Merrill...