Tropical Storm Dolly Could Be Next Atlantic Storm Despite Coincidental Timing

The next tropical storm to develop in the Atlantic this hurricane season could be named Dolly, a designation that has drawn attention because of its coincidental timing following the death of singer and philanthropist Dolly Parton.

Meteorologists, however, say there is no connection between the name and the entertainer. Tropical cyclone names are selected in advance under procedures established by the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), with Atlantic naming lists reused every six years.

The Atlantic lists alternate between male and female names in alphabetical order.

Weather System Monitored Off Africa

The National Hurricane Center (NHC) is monitoring a weather system off the west coast of Africa that could strengthen in the coming days.

Forecasters said early Wednesday that conditions were somewhat favorable for an area of thunderstorms south of the Cabo Verde Islands to develop into a tropical depression within the following week.

If the system strengthens further and reaches maximum sustained winds of at least 39 mph (63 kph), it would be designated Tropical Storm Dolly.

The potential development comes after several named storms earlier in the season, including Tropical Storm Arthur, which made landfall along the U.S. Gulf Coast in June, and Tropical Storm Bertha, which brought heavy rain to parts of Louisiana and Texas in July.

Tropical Storm Cristobal also formed in the Atlantic earlier in August before quickly dissipating.

Below-Average Hurricane Season Forecast

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has forecast a below-average Atlantic hurricane season, partly due to the influence of El Niño.

NOAA expects between eight and 14 named storms during the season. Of those, three to six could develop into hurricanes, while one to three may strengthen into major hurricanes.

Despite the below-average forecast, forecasters continue to urge communities in vulnerable areas to monitor weather updates and remain prepared throughout the hurricane season.

Why Tropical Storms Are Named

Storm names are assigned primarily to make it easier for weather agencies, governments and the public to communicate about developing systems and warnings.

According to the WMO, names are selected to be short, easy to pronounce and familiar to the regions where they are used.

The organization regularly reviews potential names, while particularly deadly or destructive storms can have their names retired as a mark of sensitivity and to avoid reusing names associated with catastrophic events.

One Atlantic storm name from the 2025 season was retired: Melissa, after the Category 5 hurricane caused severe destruction across parts of the Caribbean.

If the system currently being monitored off Africa strengthens sufficiently, Dolly will become the next name on the Atlantic list—an entirely coincidental designation with no connection to the late entertainer.