Tracking the Tropics: Gulf disturbance could bring heavy rain to Florida’s west coast, Panhandle

A disorganized weather system over the eastern Gulf of America is worth keeping an eye on — and if you live along Florida’s west coast or in the Panhandle, it’s worth keeping a close eye.

Showers and thunderstorms are already firing over the eastern Gulf, linked to an upper-level low and a surface trough. Right now, the National Hurricane Center says pressures in the area are running high, and there are no signs of a defined surface circulation — meaning this is not yet a tropical system. But that could change.

Slow, gradual development is possible as the system drifts northward over the coming days. In the meantime, the bigger immediate concern for residents is heavy rainfall expected to impact portions of the Florida west coast and Florida Panhandle over the next several days.

Development chances remain low — but worth watching

As of now, the odds of this becoming a organized tropical system remain relatively low:

• 30% chance of formation within 7 days
• 10% chance of formation within 48 hours