An region of unsettled weather moving westward near the northern Gulf Coast has a slim probability of developing into a tropical depression by the end of the week, but it is still predicted to have some effects in the form of rainfall and rip currents.
Tropical Development Odds are Low
A stretched-out area of low pressure, known as a trough, will continue to track around the northern Gulf Coast for the next day or two.
The National Hurricane Center is looking for converging winds along this so-called trough to assist develop a more well-defined area of low pressure that seeks to grow into a tropical depression or storm. For the time being, the NHC says there is a low likelihood of that happening in waters near and offshore of the northern United States Gulf Coast until the disturbance moves inland this weekend.
Impacts include rainfall and rip currents
Regardless of any attempts at tropical development, this moisture-laden disturbance will cause tropical downpours during the following three days. The newest radar shows where this system is now delivering rainfall.
Locally, heavy rain might fall from the Florida Panhandle westward along the northern Gulf Coast to southern Louisiana and the upper Texas coast through Friday.
Isolated incidences of flash floods are possible in certain places, and some storms may have gusty winds.
If you’re planning a beach trip, be advised that rip currents will be more prevalent late this week on beaches ranging from the Florida Panhandle to Alabama and Mississippi.
Color-coded flags are erected on several beaches every day to signal the rip current threat. A green sign (low risk) means that powerful rip currents are unlikely. A yellow flag (moderate danger) indicates that there is a good probability for strong rip currents, while a red flag (high risk) indicates that powerful rip currents are expected and you should remain away from the ocean.
