Gulf disturbance will bring rain & wind to Florida this week

A tropical disturbance in the Gulf of Mexico is being monitored for the low-end potential for development this week and weekend. This system will bring periods of heavy rainfall and gusty winds to Florida from midweek through this upcoming weekend, favoring central and southern parts of the state.

This developing low pressure over the central Gulf of Mexico has a low-end chance for development according to the National Hurricane Center. They give this system only a 20% chance of development over the next 7 days. Nonetheless, the NHC is monitoring this area of disturbed weather as conditions will be marginally conducive for development.

National Hurricane Center 7-Day Forecast

Regardless of tropical development, impacts are expected for Florida. Heavy rain could lead to minor flooding across the Florida Peninsula where a widespread 1-3 inches of rain is forecast with isolated higher amounts farther south approaching half a foot.

7-Day Rainfall Forecast

Wind gusts will generally be in the 20 to 30 mph range this weekend as the low pressure treks across the Florida Peninsula. The strongest winds look to occur late this weekend along the East Coast of the Florida Peninsula as the low appears to organize further over the warm Gulf Stream off the Southeast Coast.

Despite the only low-end chance for development, this time of the year in such warm waters, any system needs to be closely monitored. Keep checking back for updates.

The Atlantic Hurricane Season begins on Thursday, June 1.