The National Hurricane Center is monitoring a group of thunderstorms near the Florida coast for potential tropical development later this week. As these storms move westward, passing over the state and entering the warm Gulf waters, there is a brief opportunity for them to develop into a tropical depression or tropical storm. If a storm forms, it would be named Dexter. The forecast indicates the low pressure system will pass across the state on Monday and move into the Gulf by Monday evening.
Regardless of tropical development, North Florida, including the Panhandle, can expect numerous showers and thunderstorms. The typical summertime pattern of isolated afternoon storms will be replaced by a higher chance of rain throughout the week. By mid to late week, rain chances will rise further in the Panhandle as the low pressure system moves westward, increasing instability in the region.
Residents and visitors are advised to stay updated on the forecast and follow any guidance related to tropical development issued by the National Weather Service. Jennifer Gray, a weather and climate writer for weather.com, has been reporting on major weather events worldwide for the past twenty years.
