TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) — A tropical depression is expected to form sometime this week in the western Caribbean Sea, according to the National Hurricane Center.
The area of low pressure resembles a similar path to Hurricane Helene, which charged rapidly through Florida and the southern region of the U.S., leaving at least 64 dead as of Saturday night.
Over the next few days, gradual development of this potential disturbance is expected, and a tropical depression “could form” around the middle part of the week, NHC said on Sunday. As of the 8 a.m. ET update, it has a 50% chance of development over the next seven days. You can see its projected path in the bottom left corner of the map above.
“It appears as though this will stay well to the west of the Bay Area, but of course, we will continue to monitor this system,” said meteorologist Eric Stone of Nexstar’s WFLA.
As it is forecasted to move northwestward into the Gulf of Mexico, the hurricane center advises the U.S. Gulf Coast to “monitor its progress.”
Another potential disturbance, located in the Eastern and Central Tropical Atlantic, is gradually developing and is likely to become a tropical depression in the upcoming days. NHC forecasts a 60% chance of development in 48 hours, and 80% within seven days.
Out in the Eastern Atlantic are Hurricane Isaac and Tropical Storm Joyce. Both systems will not impact the U.S. and are gradually weakening over open water.
A brand new wave has emerged off the African coast, with a 20% chance of development over the next week as it moves west-northwest.
“It appears as though it will move to the northwest sooner than later and follow Joyce’s path and stay well away from the United States,” Eric Stone added.