NHC Monitors 20% Chance Tropical Storm Developing Near Florida for July Fourth

The National Hurricane Center forecasts a 20% chance of a tropical low-pressure system developing off the southeastern U.S. coast, over Florida, or in the eastern Gulf of Mexico later this week, potentially bringing heavy rain during the July 4th weekend. This system, if it develops into a named storm, would be called Tropical Storm Chantal, marking the third named storm of the Atlantic hurricane season. The low-pressure area is expected to form from a weakening frontal boundary that will stall off the southeast coast, with the system likely moving very little. Regardless of development, forecasters warn of a wet weekend for Florida, with multiple rounds of showers and storms increasing the risk of flooding, especially in central and northern parts of the state. Meanwhile, Tropical Storm Barry, the second named storm of the season, disintegrated after making landfall in Mexico, although it is still expected to bring significant rainfall to parts of Mexico. Local officials emphasize that long-range forecasts are uncertain and continue to monitor the situation closely.