ORLANDO, Florida – A potential tropical system is being closely watched by meteorologists as it forms near Florida, with the National Hurricane Center raising the chances of development to 60% over the next seven days.
As of early Thursday morning, a low-pressure area is expected to develop near a stalled front just off the Florida Peninsula. While conditions are only marginally favorable, the system already has a 30% chance of developing in the next 48 hours, with odds increasing to 60% by next week.
Should this disturbance organize further, it could become a tropical or subtropical depression as it drifts north or northeast heading into early next week. If it strengthens enough to earn a name, it would become Tropical Storm Chantal.
Regardless of formation, the system is already pushing tropical moisture into Central Florida, setting the stage for widespread rain across the region. This will affect the Fourth of July weekend forecast, especially between Thursday and Saturday, when rain coverage is expected to be above normal.
Orlando, along with much of Central Florida, should prepare for increased showers, elevated humidity, and potential localized flooding in some areas due to the persistent moisture.
