Currently at tropical storm status, Leslie is meandering in the Atlantic approximately 585 miles east of Bermuda.
Moving at a speed of 5mph, the weather system’s current heading is southwestward with windspeeds of 60mph.
As Leslie heads into slightly warmer waters tonight into tomorrow, it will strengthen – growing in intensity to hurricane status.
Could hurricane Leslie hit the UK?
Currently, there is no forecast for Leslie to reach land as a hurricane, although large waves and strong riptides could impact Bermuda.
There are several projected paths that Leslie could take, however they all involve the weather system weakening as it passes over cooler waters.
One potential outcome is that when Leslie leaves the central Atlantic Ocean, there is a chance moisture could be drawn up through the Azores and into Europe.
Met Office chief forecaster Andy Page said: “Tropical Storm Leslie is currently in the central North Atlantic and is expected to remain there over the next few days.
“Leslie will likely strengthen to a hurricane as it moves over warmer waters on Tuesday and Wednesday, with large swells affecting Bermuda and east coast of US and Caribbean.
“It is likely to gradually weaken after this and to move eastwards across the North Atlantic.
“Some models suggest Leslie will track south of the UK while others suggest it may move close to the UK by the end of next week.”
If it does reach the UK, what type of weather can we expect?
It is too soon to predict exactly what will happen should Leslie reach the UK, however, if it does we can expect strong winds and accompanying heavy rain.
Mr Page said: “It is too early to tell the exact impact on the UK but it will most likely bring a spell of strong winds and rain – the type of weather associated with low-pressure systems at this time of year.”
Leslie is the 12th named system in the Atlantic Basin during Atlantic hurricane season.
There may be a gap between Leslie and the next named storm, which would take on the moniker Michael.
October usually sees hurricanes and tropical storms slowing as the end of the season draws closer.
There are several tropical waves forecast to push along the Atlantic toward the Caribbean Sea next week, however, the environment currently doesn’t support strengthening weather systems.
Atlantic hurricane season will end on November 30.