Dean developed from a tropical wave on August 22 over the Lesser Antilles, and was initially predicted to intensify further to reach hurricane status.

Located over warm waters and in an area of favorable conditions, Dean steadily strengthened while moving to the northeast, and peaked just below hurricane status on August 27 about 465 miles (748 km) southwest of Newfoundland.

The precursor tropical wave dropped heavy rainfall and produced moderate winds throughout the Lesser Antilles, though no serious damage was reported.

[1] On August 21, while located about 450 miles (720 km) east of the Lesser Antilles, convection increased further within the system, though unfavorable upper-level wind shear prevented rapid development.

The remnants of Dean produced convection near its developing circulation, and on August 26, while located 220 miles (350 km) north of Bermuda the system organized sufficiently enough to be re-classified a tropical depression.

[8] The depression continued to the northeast, and re-strengthened into Tropical Storm Dean early on August 27 while located 580 miles (930 km) south of Halifax, Nova Scotia.

[9] Remaining over warm waters, Dean continued to strengthen and reached peak winds of 70 mph (110 km/h) late on August 27 while located about 465 miles (748 km) southwest of Cape Race, Newfoundland.

[10] The eye feature failed to develop further, and after maintaining its peak intensity for 12 hours Dean weakened over progressively cooler waters.

[1] The convection quickly diminished,[11] and on August 28 Dean became extratropical while located 145 miles (233 km) east-southeast of Cape Race, Newfoundland.

[1] About a day before Dean developed, the National Hurricane Center advised interests in the northern and central Lesser Antilles to monitor the progress of the storm.

[13] Tropical Storm Dean dropped heavy rainfall across Puerto Rico, peaking at 12.7 inches (320 mm) in Salinas.

[13] One airline canceled seventeen flights in and out of the island, and one cruise line was required to alter its path to both Dean and earlier due to Tropical Storm Chantal.

[1] The remnants of Dean produced unsettled conditions across Bermuda, including a wind gust of 41 mph (66 km/h) and light rainfall of 0.31 inches (7.9 mm).