Topline
A wet and rainy Florida could soon see even more precipitation in the coming days, according to the National Weather Service, which has warned the Gulf Coast will face a flood-generating system that could form into Tropical Storm Dexter.
Rain is forecast to increase later this week in western Florida (Photo by JIM WATSON/AFP via Getty ... More
The National Hurricane Center says there is a 40% chance of a tropical system developing as it moves from the east coast of Florida over the Gulf of Mexico, potentially impacting Florida, Alabama, Mississippi and Louisiana.
Conditions appear “favorable” for development once the disturbance reaches the northern Gulf on Wednesday—if it reaches tropical storm strength it would be named Tropical Storm Dexter, which would mark the Atlantic hurricane season’s fourth named storm.
Regardless of whether or not the system becomes named, Florida and its neighboring states should expect significant rain this week, with up five to seven inches of precipitation forecast in places like Tampa, Florida, and Mobile, Alabama.
Get Forbes Breaking News Text Alerts: We’re launching text message alerts so you'll always know the biggest stories shaping the day’s headlines. Text “Alerts” to (201) 335-0739 or sign up here.
Three named storms have formed in the first month-and-a-half of hurricane season, and none have reached hurricane strength. Tropical Storm Chantal is the only system to make landfall in the U.S. so far, bringing floods and tornadoes to the Carolinas earlier this month.
An above-normal Atlantic hurricane season, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association, which predicted 13 to 19 named storms will form from June 1 to Nov. 30. About six to 10 of the storms are forecast to become hurricanes while three to five could become major hurricanes. NOAA has attributed its forecast to warmer than average ocean temperatures, lower than average wind shear and potential heightened activity from the West African Monsoon—a common starting point for hurricanes in the Atlantic.
Three hurricanes, Debby, Helene and Milton, made landfall in Florida last year, tying the state’s record for most in a single season. Helene was the strongest, becoming a Category 4 storm and killing at least 44 people in Florida and leading to some 206 deaths in neighboring states. As a whole, last year’s Atlantic hurricane season produced 18 named storms, 11 of which were hurricanes. Five of the hurricanes made landfall in the U.S., with Helene alone causing approximately $75 billion in economic losses.
NOAA predicts above-normal 2025 Atlantic hurricane season (NOAA)
What can Florida expect as Invest 93L crosses state, even if it doesn't become tropical storm? (Herald-Tribune)