The development area for a potential tropical system being watched by the National Hurricane Center has shifted westward to include more of the Gulf of Mexico.
"A well-defined tropical wave is producing a large area of disorganized showers and thunderstorms over Hispaniola, Puerto Rico, the Southeastern Bahamas, and the adjacent waters of the southwestern Atlantic and northeastern Caribbean Sea. Development of this system should be slow to occur during the next day or so while it moves west-northwestward over portions of the Greater Antilles," wrote NHC Senior Hurricane Specialist Dr. Jack Beven in a tropical outlook posted Thursday afternoon.
"However, environmental conditions are forecast to be more conducive for development after the wave passes the Greater Antilles, and a tropical depression is likely to form this weekend or early next week over the eastern Gulf of Mexico near the Florida Peninsula. Interests across the Greater Antilles, the Bahamas, and Florida should continue to monitor the progress of this system," Beven continued.
Residents along the northern Gulf Coast, including Louisiana, are also encouraged to stay aware of updates on this system. The next name on the list is Debby.
The 2024 Atlantic hurricane season ends November 30.