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Forecasters Increase Chances A Tropical System Is Heading To Florida This Weekend

Forecasters have increased the chances of a tropical wave developing into a named storm. Florida Public Radio Emergency Network
Forecasters have increased the chances of a tropical wave developing into a named storm. Florida Public Radio Emergency Network

The National Hurricane Center has increased the possibility that a tropical wave over the southeastern Bahamas will pass through Florida – and the Tampa Bay area – as the next named tropical system.

On Thursday morning, forecasters said Invest 95 is becoming better organized and conditions are “becoming favorable” for it to strengthen into a tropical depression, or Tropical Storm Humberto.

As of 8 a.m., it had a 70 percent chance of development in the next two days, and 80 percent by early next week, as it moves northwest toward Florida at 5-10 mph.

Whether it develops, forecasters say it will bring increased moisture and could generate heavy rain, gusty winds and treacherous seas starting Friday and into the weekend.

Rain chances kick up to 60 percent on Friday and 80 percent through the weekend, with highs around 90.

MORE WEATHER:

WEATHER: Storm track, hourly outlooks, 7-day forecasts and weather alerts  ALERTS: Download the Florida Storms app to get severe weather notifications

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Carl Lisciandrello is digital news editor of WUSF Public Media.
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