Tropical Disturbances Today

Disturbance 1. Gulf of Mexico: Disorganized showers and thunderstorms located over the western Gulf of Mexico are associated with a trough of low pressure. A broad area of low pressure is expected to form over the southwestern or south-central Gulf of Mexico this weekend, and thereafter some gradual development is possible while the low moves slowly eastward or northeastward. A tropical or subtropical depression or storm could form during the early to middle part of next week if the low remains separate from a frontal boundary that is forecast to extend across the Gulf of Mexico next week. Formation chance through 48 hours...low...near 0 percent and formation chance through 7 days...medium...40 percent.

Disturbance 2. Hurricane Kirk is no threat to our area but remains a large and powerful hurricane way out in the Atlantic. Weakening is forecast to begin on Saturday and continue through early next week. There are no coastal watches or warnings in effect.

Disturbance 3. Tropical Storm Leslie is not likely a threat to our area. Leslie has gotten a little stronger. Leslie is currently about 645 miles west-southwest of the southernmosst Cabo Verde Islands moving west at 6 mph with 60 mph maximum sustained winds. A turn toward the west-northwest is expected later today, followed by a turn toward the northwest and an increase in forward speed early Sunday into Monday. There are no coastal watches or warnings in effect.