HOUSTON – Entering the peak of Hurricane Season
As we enter the middle August, the tropics are also starting to heat up a bit. With bathwater temperatures in the Gulf and parts of Atlantic, conditions continue to grow favorable for development.
Right now, we are currently watching two different systems.
Tropical Storm Erin still strengthening
Tropical Storm Erin is still churning out in the central Atlantic.
Over the past couple of days, the system has continued to strengthen now with winds sustained at 70 mph. As the system continues to move westward, it’s expected to strengthen into a major hurricane later this weekend.
The good news is that the spaghetti models currently have this storm curving northward before hitting land. However the track though not very likely right now can change. Areas including Bermuda, Carribean, and Southeast US should monitor the storm.
Invest 98L forms in the Gulf
A system close to home is forming in the Gulf.
Invest 98L emerged in the southern Gulf early this morning. Currently, the NHC has a 50% chance of development. Though conditions are favorable, the system does not have much time over water before hitting land. We can’t rule out the possibility of a depression or low end tropical storm forming. Regardless of formation, tropical moisture from the system will enhance rain chances this weekend.
The next name would be Fernand.