After several days without a named storm in the Atlantic, that is expected to change in the coming week.
National Hurricane Center forecasters reported a 40% chance for development in an area of unsettled weather over the Northwestern Caribbean in the next couple of days, increasing to an 80% chance by midweek. During this time, a tropical depression or tropical storm is anticipated to form.
The hurricane season is underway, and meteorologists are on alert. Residents can sign up for the NBC 6 Weather newsletter to receive the latest forecasts directly in their inbox.
Tropical storm watches or warnings may be issued as early as Monday for parts of Cuba and Mexico.
The next named storm for the 2024 hurricane season will be “Helene.”
The timing of this system’s development and its movement toward the Gulf of Mexico will significantly influence its trajectory toward the United States later in the week.
Residents from coastal Louisiana to the west coast of Florida are urged to stay updated on the weather forecasts over the next several days. While specifics about the storm’s eventual path are still uncertain, the Florida Panhandle and the Big Bend region could be particularly affected later this week.
Additionally, the storm’s size and intensity could have wide-ranging impacts, even away from its center. This may include heavy rainfall, isolated severe storms, and a heightened risk of dangerous rip currents on both sides of the Florida peninsula.
In South Florida, the weather will largely depend on the position and strength of the approaching storm, potentially bringing breezy conditions, scattered downpours, high surf, and hazardous marine conditions.
Residents are advised to review their hurricane preparedness plans using the free NBC6 hurricane guide.