Tropical Storm Dolly has formed in the Atlantic, but this is not just any tropical cyclone. Although the forecast looks favorable for the Caribbean, one key question remains: Will the tropical storm have enough strength to reach the islands?

Dolly was officially named on Thursday morning after it developed a well-defined center of circulation and maximum sustained winds of 40 mph. It is expected to continue moving rapidly toward the west-northwest over the next three days, steered by a strong Bermuda high-pressure system.

Dolly will have only a brief opportunity to strengthen before encountering increasing southwesterly wind shear and dry air beginning Friday. The Leeward Islands could experience periods of heavy rain between Saturday and Sunday, while the Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico, and Hispaniola could see heavy rainfall between Sunday and Monday. Because of the continuous drought, there is a risk of flash flooding, especially in mountainous areas.

The Atlantic hurricane season continues to be unusually quiet. In addition, no hurricanes have developed in the Atlantic basin so far, meaning all indications are that August will end without the formation of a single hurricane.