Invest 93L in the Caribbean; updates in Atlantic

Writer: Nicholas Karsen
Published: Updated:

A broad area of low pressure, named Invest 93L, is producing disorganized showers and thunderstorm activity over the Northwestern Caribbean Sea and eastern Gulf of Mexico, according to the National Hurricane Center.

According to the NHC, as of 2 p.m., there is a 80% chance of a tropical wave forming in the Gulf over the next seven days. Some gradual development of this system is possible over the weekend and early next week, and a tropical depression is likely to form while it moves slowly northward across the eastern Gulf of Mexico.

Digital graphic of the Gulf Coast. Credit: The Weather Authority

Meanwhile, as of 2 p.m., a new disturbance has emerged off the west coast of Africa that has a 40% chance of development over the next seven days. A tropical wave is forecast to form by early next week as the disturbance moves west.

According to a 5 p.m. bulletin, the NHC reports Tropical Storm Franklin continues moving toward the east-northeast at six mph and this general motion is expected to continue throughout the day.

A sharp turn toward the north is expected Friday and Saturday, with a northward or north-northwestward motion over the Western Atlantic continuing through early next week.

Maximum sustained winds are near 50 mph. Gradual strengthening is forecast, and Franklin is expected to become a hurricane in a couple of days.

Additionally, there are two other areas of disturbed weather with lower changes of development in the Atlantic that only pose interest to shipping lanes.

The Weather Authority will continue to give updates on possible Gulf Coast development throughout its cycle.

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