A tropical wave in the Atlantic is likely to develop into a tropical depression and could impact the Caribbean islands in the coming days.

The National Hurricane Center (NHC) reports an 80 percent probability of formation within the next seven days, raising concerns among residents and visitors to the Lesser and Greater Antilles.

The system, which is currently halfway between the Cape Verde Islands and the Lesser Antilles, has been showing increased rain and thunderstorm activity since yesterday.

While development is expected to be gradual over the next few days, conditions are forecast to improve as the wave approaches the Caribbean.

According to the NHC, the disturbance is expected to continue moving west-northwest and affect parts of the Greater Antilles in the middle to late next week.

In the short term, the chances of it occurring are still low; within the next 48 hours, the probability is only 30 percent.

However, the significant increase in the development potential in the seven-day cycle has put meteorologists and regional authorities on alert.

Residents and travelers in the Caribbean, particularly in and around the Lesser Antilles, are advised to stay informed about the development of the system.