Thursday marks the first day of the 2023 Atlantic hurricane season, with the tropical region in the Gulf of Mexico set to become the year’s first named system.
The National Hurricane Center in Miami said showers and storms in the region increased overnight and became better organized. A 50 percent chance of developing into a named system in the next 48 hours is predicted.
As a result, heavy rain is forecast for parts of Florida over the weekend.
By the end of this week, forecasters say environmental conditions are unfavorable for additional development as the region moves south and offshore in the Gulf.
If it becomes a named system, it will be named Arlene.
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration predicts a “close to normal” 2023 Atlantic hurricane season, with 12-17 named storms expected, according to forecasts released May 25.
Of the named storms, five to nine are expected to be hurricanes and one to four are expected to be major hurricanes.
