NEW DEPRESSION FORMS; EXPECTED TO BECOME MAJOR HURRICANE NEXT WEEK… Tropical Depression Eighteen has formed this evening about halfway between the Lesser Antilles and Africa. This tropical depression is gaining strength and will likely become a tropical storm tonight or tomorrow. The next names on the tropical naming list are Sam and Teresa. TD18 will likely become a hurricane in a few days. The National Hurricane Center forecast explicitly calls for TD18 to become a major hurricane early next week when the system is closer to the Lesser Antilles.
LONG RANGE UNCERTAINTY WITH TD18… Most, not all but MOST, weather models show TD18 moving in more of a northerly fashion in 4-5 days. This means there is a decent chance the system recurves into the open waters of the Atlantic Ocean. This is not set in stone just yet, however. Earlier runs of the American-based GFS model (which has performed remarkably well so far during this year’s hurricane season) indicated a more southerly track toward The Bahamas. I will keep you posted in the days ahead as we continue to get more data in, refining the projected path of this developing system.
COOLER AIR ARRIVING LOCALLY… If you have stepped outside over the last several hours, you’ve probably felt the refreshing, cooler, drier air moving into our region behind an advancing cold front. Temperatures this evening will quickly dive into the 60s ahead of temperatures in the mid-50s becoming likely after midnight. Overnight lows will be in the mid- to upper-50s tomorrow (Thursday) morning. Sunny days are ahead through the weekend!
APP… If you haven’t already, be sure to download the free RedZone Weather app to keep up with all the latest information on the world of weather in south Alabama and northwest Florida. redzoneweather.com/app is the link for the free download. Once you have the app downloaded to your iOS or Android device, be sure to visit the Alerts tab (lower right corner) and tap the large, yellow Alert Settings button to customize the alerts you would like to receive straight from me.
I will have more updates posted in the hours ahead in the RedZone Weather app. Have a great evening!