A low-pressure area over the northeastern Gulf of Mexico has a broad but well-defined circulation with maximum sustained winds of about 35 mph. Environmental conditions remain marginally favorable for additional development, and if these trends continue, a short-lived tropical depression or storm is likely to form as soon as this afternoon.
The system is likely to meander over the northeastern Gulf of Mexico through tonight but begin a slow southward motion on Friday. Regardless of development, locally heavy rainfall could occur over portions of the Florida Peninsula through this weekend. The formation chance through 48 hours and 7 days is high at 70 percent. An Air Force Reserve Hurricane Hunter aircraft is scheduled to investigate the system later this afternoon.