Watching the Gulf: Potential tropical development

We’re in the middle of the peak of the Atlantic Hurricane Season and, right on cue, the tropics are heating up!

As of Thursday, the National Hurricane Center was monitoring a tropical wave in the Caribbean Sea that could become the next tropical depression or tropical storm. Regardless of title, this system is expected to move into the Gulf of Mexico by the upcoming weekend.

What We Know

• A tropical wave will likely become more organized Thursday and Friday, potentially becoming the next named storm
• If it reaches tropical storm status, it would take the name Ida
• While there is still some uncertainty, there is increasing confidence that this tropical system will stay east of Texas
• However, those on the Gulf Coast from Houston to the Florida Panhandle should monitor forecast updates closely
• We will continually update you on-air, online, on our KSAT Weather Authority App, and on our Hurricane Tracker App

Types of Tropical Systems

There are several types of tropical systems, or cyclones. Meteorologist Sarah Spivey explains below.

Stay Alert

To get be prepared during hurricane season, be sure to bookmark our hurricane page or download the KSAT Hurricane Tracker App. You can also find your local forecast anytime on the KSAT Weather page.