As weather forecasters watch a low-pressure system in the northeastern Gulf, St. Augustine’s weather will remain a mix of brutal heat and high chances for thunderstorms through the weekend.
According to the National Weather Service in Jacksonville, heavy rain and localized flooding remains a concern for Northeast Florida ― including St. Augustine ― this weekend.
“Daily bouts of showers and storms with increasing afternoon thunderstorms are expected Friday as deep pooling moisture plasters the area,” they said.
Showers, thunderstorms and sea breeze are expected between 4 and 5 p.m. Friday afternoon. Temperatures are expected to reach 96 with a heat index of 106.
Reports show that there’s a chance for frequent lightning and heavy downpours with increasing coverage of afternoon and evening thunderstorms on Saturday with waves of downpours and thunderstorms possible on Sunday and Monday. Rip currents run at a moderate risk at the Northeast FL Beaches with heat advisory conditions possible into the middle of next week.
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What’s happening in the Gulf?
Chances are dropping for a tropical storm to strengthen in the northeastern Gulf, but that doesn’t mean Florida won’t feel any impacts from the disturbance.
An area of low pressure is expected to form this weekend over the northeastern Gulf and then move slowly northeast early next week.
Heavy rain is possible in portions of Florida, depending on the exact location and track, according to the National Weather Service Tampa Bay.
The Weather Prediction Center is predicting around 3-5 inches of rain along the coast and across Florida’s Big Bend associated with the potential area of low pressure in the northeastern Gulf.
And elsewhere?
In the Pacific, Tropical Storm Elida is expected to strengthen into a hurricane tonight or early July 17.
The National Hurricane Center is also watching another disturbance in the eastern Atlantic, along with two tropical waves.
“It will be especially important to closely monitor every tropical wave this season,” said Alex DaSilva, AccuWeather lead hurricane expert, via email.
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“Some tropical waves may remain disorganized while crossing the Atlantic, only to develop and intensify once they reach the exceptionally warm waters near the United States.”
When is hurricane season?
The Atlantic hurricane season runs from June 1 through Nov. 30.
Ninety-seven percent of tropical cyclone activity occurs during this time period, NOAA said.
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The Atlantic basin includes the northern Atlantic Ocean, Caribbean Sea and Gulf of America, as the Gulf of Mexico is now known in the U.S. per an order from President Trump. NOAA and the National Hurricane Center are now using Gulf of America on its maps and in its advisories.
Is there a hurricane coming toward Florida?
No. Saharan dust and strong wind shear has been making environmental conditions difficult for anything tropical to develop.
“So far, we believe the chance of a tropical depression or storm forming in this area is low but probably represents the best chance for tropical development throughout the Atlantic basin prior to the end of July,” DaSilva said. “Rainfall looks to be the biggest threat regardless of development or official designation.”
What’s next?
We will continue to update our tropical weather coverage to bring you the most current information you need to protect your home and family.
Cheryl McCloud is a journalist for the USA TODAY Network-Florida’s service journalism Connect team. You can get all of Florida’s best content directly in your inbox each weekday day by signing up for the free newsletter, Florida TODAY, at https://naplesnews.com/newsletters.
This article originally appeared on St. Augustine Record: As forecasters watch the Gulf, what can St. Augustine expect?
Reporting by Lucia Viti and Cheryl McCloud, USA TODAY Network-Florida / St. Augustine Record
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Lucia Viti and Cheryl McCloud, USA TODAY Network-Florida | USA TODAY Network
