Tropical Depression Likely to Form in the Northern Gulf Today or Monday

An area of low pressure in the northeastern Gulf is becoming better organized and is expected to develop into the Atlantic Basin's next tropical system.

According to the latest update from the National Hurricane Center, the disturbance—currently designated Invest 91L (AL91)—has continued to become better defined, with shower and thunderstorm activity increasing around its center.

A tropical depression is likely to form later today or on Monday as the system drifts slowly northward or northwestward across the northeastern Gulf.

The National Hurricane Center now gives the system an 80% chance of tropical development during both the next 48 hours and the next seven days.

Gulf Coast Could See Tropical Watches Later Today

Residents along the northern Gulf Coast, including portions of Florida, Alabama, Mississippi, and Louisiana, should closely monitor the progress of this system.

If development continues as expected, tropical storm watches or warnings could be issued for parts of the Gulf Coast later today.

Regardless of whether the system reaches tropical storm strength before landfall, forecasters expect it to produce heavy rainfall capable of localized flooding across portions of the northern Gulf Coast over the next several days.

Hurricane Hunter Aircraft Scheduled

An Air Force Reserve Hurricane Hunter aircraft is scheduled to investigate the disturbance later today. Data collected during the mission will help forecasters better determine the system's structure, intensity, and whether it has developed into a tropical cyclone.

No Direct Impacts Expected for North Carolina

At this time, there are no direct impacts expected across North Carolina from this developing system. While moisture from Gulf systems can occasionally become involved with weather farther inland later in the week, there is currently no indication of any significant tropical impacts for the Carolinas.

As always, tropical forecasts can change, and Rowan County Weather will continue to monitor the system and provide updates if it becomes a concern.

I'll have additional updates later today if the system is upgraded to a tropical depression or if any watches or warnings are issued along the Gulf Coast.