Since there is not much to talk about in the tropics, I thought I might just throw in an observation for the future.

This year looks like it may be shaping up to be a repeat of 1998. The MJO is expected to become a favourable factor around mid-August through early-September. Rob M said a couple of days ago that it could lead to a burst of strong activity throughout this period, with a calmer mid-September with another (smaller) burst at the beginning of October. This is basically the same set up as in 1998.

Also, the strong waves emerging from Africa have prompted many to predict that this will be a strong CV year - like 1998.
It was a big year for the US - 7 landfalling storms, with Hurricanes Bonnie and Georges (near Steve's neighbourhood, am I right?)

And, by a coincidence, same names this year!

Anyway, that's just my opinion - for what it's worth. Cheers!