HYPE ABOUNDS, BUT NO LOCAL TROPICAL ISSUES FOR NOW; DISTURBANCE TO FORM NEXT WEEK… Today has been a day filled with rumor, hype, and hyperbole on social media showing “the next great hurricane in the Gulf.” While it is true that we are expecting a tropical disturbance to form in the western Caribbean Sea some time next week, there is not a soul that can tell you with any type of precision or accuracy where the storm will ultimately end up. That doesn’t stop the fear mongers from pushing bad info, single model run images, and quite frankly, a whole lot of anxiety for many people. The National Hurricane Center indicates there is a 30% chance of a tropical storm forming in the western Caribbean Sea next week. The system will likely move into the Gulf of Mexico, perhaps in the Wednesday or Thursday time frame.
NO WAY TO KNOW WHERE THIS SYSTEM WILL GO… The upper-level pattern in place across the continental United States will largely dictate where this developing tropical feature will ultimately go. Right now, there is simply too many variables to be able to pinpoint where the system will end up. There is a rather low-end chance for western Gulf impacts, at least some chance for central Gulf Coast impacts (our local area in south Alabama and northwest Florida), and perhaps an elevated chance of Florida Peninsula impacts. Keep in mind, all of the Gulf of Mexico region should keep a close watch on this system. Nothing is set in stone yet other than the fear mongers and hype folks going absolutely bonkers. The best thing I can tell you to do is check back in with me over the next few days. We’ll bring you the latest information as we know more. No need to stress or worry over this, for now.
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 Alert Settings button to customize the alerts you would like to receive straight from me.
I will have a full rundown on the tropics and the extended outlook in the next regularly scheduled RedZone Weather forecast video that will be posted by 7:15AM.
Have a nice Wednesday evening!