The tropical system in the Gulf is not going away. Meanwhile, Hurricane Kirk is weakening and Tropical Storm Leslie is strengthening

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – The disorganized low pressure system with showers and thunderstorms in the Gulf of Mexico does not appear to be dissipating anytime soon.

A widespread low pressure area is expected to form over the southwest or south-central Gulf of Mexico this weekend. Gradual development is possible thereafter as the low slowly moves east or northeast.

A tropical or subtropical depression or storm could form early to mid-next week if the low remains separated from a frontal boundary that is expected to extend across the Gulf of Mexico next week, according to the latest update from the National Hurricane Center.

What does this mean for our weekend plans? The weather forecast for Saturday will bring morning coastal showers and gusty winds pushing inland throughout the day; Temperatures will be near normal at around 85°. The weather forecast for Sunday looks a little cooler, with more rain and increasing clouds. An uplift in the Gulf system will bring a rainy weekend to Central Florida, setting the stage for our wet weekend.

Hurricane Kirk, a severe hurricane with winds of up to 140 miles per hour (Category 4), has weakened slightly and continues to move northwest. However, large waves could reach the US East Coast by Sunday/Monday morning. The rip current threat remains high from our southeast Georgia counties to northeast Florida counties on Friday and will continue to be monitored throughout the weekend.

Meanwhile, Tropical Storm Leslie continues to show signs of becoming better organized and strengthening to a Category 1 hurricane over the next two to three days. This storm does not pose a threat to landfall for the time being.