As we head into the new week, the Gulf of Mexico could be the focal point of significant weather changes.
The National Hurricane Center (NHC) has reported an area of low pressure forming over the Bay of Campeche in the southern Gulf.
This system, currently producing disorganized showers and thunderstorms, is expected to drift slowly northward. A tropical depression is likely to develop early to mid-week as it approaches the Gulf coastlines of Mexico and Texas.
The NHC has assessed a 50% chance of tropical depression formation within the next 48 hours and a 70% chance over the next week.
A separate system in the Atlantic could also strengthen into a tropical depression soon.While the exact strength of the system remains uncertain, the warm waters of the Gulf could provide the energy needed for strengthening.
Tropical depressions typically have maximum sustained winds up to 38 mph, but with the Gulf’s warm waters and ongoing climate changes, rapid intensification is a possibility.
In addition to the Gulf system, the NHC is monitoring another low-pressure area over the central tropical Atlantic. This system has been generating disorganized showers and thunderstorms and is expected to gradually develop.
It may also become a tropical depression by early next week, moving west-northward at about 10 mph. The chance of formation between Saturday and Monday is currently low at 10%, with a 40% chance of development over the next week.
Stay tuned for updates as these systems evolve and keep an eye on local weather advisories, especially if you live in the Gulf Coast or Atlantic coastal areas.