Tropical update: Gulf of Mexico system gains traction

The tropical wave we’ve been monitoring has moved over the southwestern Gulf of Mexico and it has a 60 percent chance of becoming a named system in the next two days. Here’s everything we know about it.

Invest 99L is currently a broad low-pressure system, with no defined center of circulation, but it is becoming better organized late morning Friday. Wind shear is low, and waters are plenty warm in this region which will help this system to develop during the day on Friday when it is likely to become a tropical depression.

Keep in mind that it can be possible that the National Hurricane Center categorizes this system as a potential tropical cyclone. This is the label given to storms that are not fully a tropical system but are close enough to land and it allows them to issue warnings.

Its proximity to land on Saturday is what will likely hinder this tropical system from becoming a full tropical storm, therefore never acquiring a name. Regardless, as the disturbance moves to the northwest, toward northeastern Mexico, strong downpours will not only affect this region but also likely move over southern Texas.

Hurricane hunters are scheduled to go investigate the disturbance later on Friday. We will keep you posted about any developments that occur today and through the weekend.