Tropical Storm Arlene forms in the Gulf

NEW ORLEANS (WVUE) - Tropical Depression Two has now strengthened to Tropical Storm Arlene, the first named storm of the season. With winds of up to 40 mph detected by the hurricane hunters, it is expected to lose its strength within the next 12 hours as it moves into an unfavorable environment.

There was also a notable pressure drop in the center of the low which is indicative of strengthening. It is not expected to make landfall and there are no advisories or warnings to land expected. The impacts will mainly be felt in Florida where up to 5″ of rainfall is expected.

Even though Tropical Storm Arlene is moving into warmer water, it will continue to drop south towards Cuba where it will encounter quite a bit of dry air and wind shear.

Most tropical systems don’t move in a southerly direction like Arlene. The upper level stirring winds have been in our favor and are keeping it not only out over the water, but pushing it south into an erratic environment.

Our weather will stay quiet and hot today as highs return to around 90 for the afternoon. Our easterly winds will relax through the day and become light and variable through the evening. Look for seasonable lows tonight in the upper 60s to lower 70s.

Saturday will start off sunny with a chance at afternoon thunderstorms. Highs will heat to the lower 90s with storms firing off through the afternoon and potentially lingering into the early evening hours. Sunday will be a similar story with late day storm chances and highs in the lower 90s.

Much of next week will be spent in the lower 90s with daily storm chances.

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