As of this morning, the National Hurricane Center is monitoring three areas of concern in the tropical Atlantic basin. Hurricane Center Monitoring Three Systems in the Tropical Atlantic BasinYou can get an idea of the bigger picture from this graphic offered by the National Hurricane Center. This is the time of year when this part of the tropical Atlantic becomes very active around the Cape Verde and Cabo Verde Islands. This is where El Niño will likely play a part. READ MORE: Super El Niño Could Mean Louisiana Snow, Next WinterThe El Niño phenomenon is known for creating disruptive upper-level winds that disrupt cyclone development.