A disorganized weather system over the eastern Gulf is worth keeping an eye on, especially along Florida’s west coast or in the Panhandle.
Showers and thunderstorms are already firing over the eastern Gulf, linked to an upper-level low and a surface trough. Right now, the National Hurricane Center says pressures in the area are running high, and there are no signs of a defined surface circulation, meaning this is not yet a tropical system. But that could change.
Slow, gradual development is possible as the system drifts northward over the coming days. In the meantime, the bigger immediate concern is heavy rainfall expected to impact portions of the Florida west coast and Florida Panhandle over the next several days.
Development odds have increased
As of now, the odds of this becoming a organized tropical system have increased as of Saturday evening:
- 50% chance of formation within 7 days
- 40% chance of formation within 48 hours
In terms of rainfall, the highest totals and risk for flooding will be west of our area as of the current forecast. The system will move slowly to the north and west in the Gulf.