Miami, Fla. (970 WFLA)-A broad surface low centered near the east coast of the Yucatan Peninsula of Mexico is producing widespread, but disorganized,shower and thunderstorm activity.
Environmental conditions are forecast to become more conducive for development, and a subtropical or tropical depression or storm is likely to form during the weekend over the eastern or central Gulf of Mexico.
An Air Force Reserve reconnaissance aircraft is scheduled to investigate the disturbance this afternoon, if necessary.
Locally heavy rainfall is forecast across western Cuba and over much of Florida and the northern Gulf Coast into early next week.
In addition, the threat of rip currents will steadily increase along the Gulf coast from Florida westward to Louisiana over the Memorial Day weekend.
The next Special Tropical Weather Outlook on this system will be issued by 2:00 PM EDT today.
* Formation chance through 48 hours...high...70 percent.
* Formation chance through 5 days...high...90 percent.
Graphic Credit: NHC Miami