POSSIBLE TROPICAL DEVELOPMENT IN WESTERN GULF NEXT WEEK… There is a growing chance that a tropical storm may form in the western or central Gulf of Mexico late next week. We’re now within 6-7 days of when this development may happen. Model trends have consistently suggested this possibility and confidence in this idea is pretty high. The signal from various weather models is unusually high for this time of year, meaning now is the time to start thinking about tropical storm preparedness. There is still plenty of information that we just do not know, like exactly where this potential tropical system will end up. Could it be a threat to the local area in Alabama and northwest Florida? Yes, it could. Is that a likelihood at this point? No, it’s simply one of MANY potential outcomes. The big headline as of Saturday, May 30: Be aware that we could have tropical development in the Gulf next week.
ACTIVE HURRICANE SEASON POSSIBLE… We’ve already had Tropical Storms Arthur and Bertha along the East Coast of the U.S. The next tropical cyclone name on the Atlantic Basin Naming List is “Cristobal.” NOAA and other agencies that issue hurricane season outlooks are suggesting the potential for an above average hurricane season, with 13 to 19 named storms expected, 6 to 10 hurricanes, and 3 to 6 major hurricanes. The “official” kickoff of hurricane season is Monday, June 1. The season will end on November 30.
APP… redzoneweather.com/app is the link where you can download the free RedZone Weather app. We post brief updates throughout each day in the app, keeping you up-to-date about the latest happenings in weather across south Alabama and northwest Florida. Once you have the free app downloaded to your iOS or Android device, be sure to visit the Alerts tab (lower right corner) then tap the large, yellow Alert Settings button to customize the alerts you would like to receive straight from me.
I’ll have more details about this tropical development potential in the Sunday evening forecast video that will be posted by 3PM. Have a nice Saturday evening!