Introduction to Hurricane Season
The National Hurricane Center on Saturday began forecasting a system to form later this week near Florida with a chance to develop into the season’s next tropical depression or storm.
In its 8 p.m. tropical outlook, the NHC said it expects a broad area of low pressure to over the next couple of days near the southeastern U.S. coast and then move westward across Florida into the northeastern Gulf by Tuesday
Forecast and Potential Development
“Environmental conditions could support some gradual development of this system during the middle to late part of next week while it moves westward over the northeastern and north-central portions of the Gulf,” forecasters said.
Regardless of whether it develops, the NHC said heavy rainfall is possible over portions of Florida and north-central Gulf Coast through mid- to late next week.
The NHC gave it a 20% chance to develop in the next seven days.
If it were to spin up into a named storm, it could become Tropical Storm Dexter.
Updates from the National Hurricane Center
2pm EDT July 12th – An area of low pressure could develop off the SE U.S. coast & now has a low chance (20%🟡) of TC formation as it moves generally westward across the Florida Peninsula into the north-central portion of the Gulf.
Latest Outlook: https://t.co/CRP4ogQxRF pic.twitter.com/d0caKOhmAm
— National Hurricane Center (@NHC_Atlantic) July 12, 2025
Previous Storms and Season Predictions
The state was previously doused by rains associated with what developed into Tropical Storm Chantal earlier this month. That storm ended up striking the Carolina coast and dumped flooding rains inland.
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration had before the start of hurricane season forecast an expected 13 to 19 named storms for the year, of which 6-10 would grow into hurricanes. Three to five of those would develop into major hurricanes of Category 3 strength or higher.
Researchers out of Colorado State University this week, though, updated their forecast saying they expect the season to be slightly less busy than what they had predicted earlier this year.
Hurricane season runs June 1-Nov. 30.
Conclusion
The potential system near Florida is a reminder that hurricane season is in full swing, and residents should be prepared for any possible developments. With the NHC monitoring the situation closely, it’s essential to stay informed and follow updates from reliable sources.
FAQs
Q: What is the current chance of the system developing into a tropical depression or storm?
A: The NHC has given it a 20% chance to develop in the next seven days.
Q: What is the potential name of the storm if it develops?
A: If it were to spin up into a named storm, it could become Tropical Storm Dexter.
Q: What is the forecast for the rest of hurricane season?
A: The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration has forecast an expected 13 to 19 named storms for the year, with 6-10 growing into hurricanes.
Q: How long does hurricane season last?
A: Hurricane season runs from June 1 to November 30.
Originally Published: July 12, 2025 at 2:42 PM EDT
