ORLANDO, Fla. – The National Hurricane Center is highlighting two main areas to watch over the upcoming days as these two systems approach the U.S. by the end of the week.
On average, the first tropical storm of the season occurs around June 20.
IN THE ATLANTIC:
The first area is in the southwestern Atlantic, where an area of low pressure or tropical wave is forecast to develop a few hundred miles northeast of the Central Bahamas. Conditions look to be favorable for some development as it moves northwest toward the east coast by late week.
The exact path and timing of this area is still yet to be decided as models continue to fluctuate a bit from run to run. In the meantime, the NHC is giving this area a 30% chance of development in the next seven days.
As the system tracks closer to Florida, a better chance for tropical downpours could return to the Sunshine State by Thursday and Friday. Rainfall models, as of Monday morning, show accumulations of 1-2 inches of rain later this week.
IN THE GULF:
An area of disturbed weather is located over Central America became Potential Tropical Cyclone 1 this afternoon as it emerges into the Gulf. Due to limited wind shear and warm ocean temperatures, a tropical depression or tropical storm is likely to form by midweek as it approaches the Mexico/Texas region. The NHC is giving this area a 70% chance for development in the next 48 hours.
The biggest impact with this system will be the tropical rainfall along the western Gulf coast states, as rainfall estimates are showing a chance for 7-10 inches through the week.
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