Potential Tropical System May Develop in Gulf of Mexico Next Week

Forecasters are monitoring a low-pressure system in the Caribbean that could become Tropical Storm Helene, posing a possible threat to the U.S. Gulf Coast.

The National Hurricane Center gives the system a 40% chance of developing into a tropical depression within the next seven days.
Forecast models are divided, with some predicting the system could impact areas from Louisiana to Florida, including Texas.
The Central American Gyre, a sprawling low-pressure system, is expected to bring heavy rains and potential flash flooding to parts of Central America and southern Mexico.
Record high sea surface temperatures in the Gulf of Mexico could fuel the system's development, but dry air and wind shear may limit its strength.
Two other disturbances in the Atlantic have low chances of development and pose no immediate threat to land.