National Hurricane Center watching area that could become tropical depression in Gulf
Tampa weather | Monday morning forecast
FOX 13 Meteorologist Dave Osterberg says Monday will have variable clouds and scattered showers with a high of 88 degrees.
TAMPA, Fla. - Forecasters are monitoring an area of interest in the tropics that has a 50% chance of forming into a tropical system as it moves toward the Gulf.
Weather models track system
What we know:
The National Hurricane Center gives the tropical system a 50% chance of development. Computer forecast models support gradual formation over warm waters.
A low-pressure system is expected to slowly drift into the Gulf by Friday. Models show the system moving toward the northern Gulf Coast later in the weekend.
High wind shear battle
What we don't know:
Meteorologists are unsure how the system will interact with strong wind shear expected along the northern Gulf Coast. Forecast models disagree on how strong or structured the system will be.
It remains unclear whether warm Gulf waters will allow the storm to strengthen or if El Niño-driven wind shear will tear it apart.
The Source: The information in this story was gathered from official statements and forecast models provided by the National Hurricane Center.