MOBILE, Ala. (WPMI) — THE TROPICS:
An extended low pressure system (Invest 97) in the northwestern Caribbean has a high chance of developing into a tropical storm and possibly a hurricane in the Gulf of Mexico before making landfall late Thursday. The impact zone is currently leaning toward the Big Bend of Florida. There is still uncertainty as the system has not yet formed. We do not expect any impacts in the NBC 15 area until mid-week. However, hazardous ocean conditions, dangerous surf and deadly rip currents are possible for our section of the Gulf Coast by the end of the week. The Hurricane Hunters have five flights scheduled over the next 24 hours to survey this area of disturbed weather. People living along the Gulf Coast, especially Floridians, should watch the development and path of this system very closely as they go through their hurricane preparedness plans. Stay tuned as the forecast develops in the coming days.
We are also tracking a tropical wave between the west coast of Africa and the Cape Verde Islands. Conditions generally appear favorable for gradual development, and a tropical depression is likely to form mid to late this week as it moves westward to west-northwestward across the eastern and central Atlantic Ocean. HIGH potential for formation.
The next Atlantic Basic storm names on the list are Helene and Isaac.
LOCAL FORECAST:
Bright blue skies are a sure thing as we head into a brand new work week. Highs will reach the lower 90s, with wake-up temperatures in the 70s. Rain chances increase through midweek, and about half of us will get wet. With the added cloud cover and rain-cooled air, highs will drop to the upper 80s, typical for this time of year. The chance of rain will remain through Friday. Adjustments to this forecast will likely be made later in the week, depending on the intensity of tropical development in the Gulf and its track. Stay tuned!
BEACH: The risk of rip currents remains LOW through Tuesday, moderate on Wednesday, and then HIGH on Thursday. Always check flags before entering Gulf waters.
