Development possible in the Caribbean and Gulf Tropical Region

Tropical development is possible from the western Caribbean Sea to the Gulf of Mexico later this week, and while the U.S. Gulf Coast should monitor this possible system, it is still too early to determine whether it will have significant impacts.

Where the potential system is now: According to the latest National Hurricane Center Outlook (NHC), an extensive area of ​​low pressure is located in the southwestern Caribbean near the “X” in the map below. There are currently unorganized showers and thunderstorms.

When it might develop: According to the NHC, conditions in the western Caribbean are favorable for gradual development of this system in the coming days. As the system moves northwest, a tropical depression could form around midweek.

The system is then expected to move into the Gulf during the second half of the week, whether or not it develops into a tropical depression.

What the US Gulf Coast should know for now: It's still too early to determine what impact, if any, the system might have on the continental U.S., but locals should keep an eye on the forecast.

The eastern Gulf Coast and Florida would be the most affected by impacts regardless of whether a system forms or not. Increased rainfall in these areas is a possible impact by the end of the week or this weekend, regardless of tropical developments.

Check back with Weather.com in the coming days for updates as details become clearer.