National Hurricane Center tracking new disturbance in Gulf of Mexico, south of Texas
A potential tropical disturbance has surfaced in the Gulf of Mexico, situated south of Texas. The National Hurricane Center is closely monitoring this development, which could potentially intensify over the weekend.
"Environmental conditions seem favorable for gradual development early next week, as the system tracks slowly westward or west-northwestward," the NHC stated in its latest outlook on Wednesday morning.
This follows a warning from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration of higher-than-usual activity this hurricane season as conditions shift back to La Niña.
Where is the potential disturbance?
A broad area of low pressure could form over the weekend across the southwestern Gulf of Mexico.
Environmental conditions appear conducive for some slow development early next week while the system moves slowly west or west-northwest.
Formation chance through 48 hours: low, near 0 percent.
Formation chance through 7 days: low, 30 percent.
More: Where do most hurricanes hit in Texas? See storm strikes by county since 1900
Hurricane storm tracker: See active storms in the Atlantic
Weather watches and warnings issued in Texas
What is La Niña?
La Niña, which means "little girl" in Spanish, is a climate phenomenon characterized by the cooling of sea surface temperatures in the central and eastern equatorial Pacific Ocean. La Niña and its opposite, El Niño, as well as a neutral phase, are part of a larger climate pattern known as the El Niño-Southern Oscillation. The tropical Pacific can be in either one of those three states.
La Niña can also contribute to a more active Atlantic hurricane season. This means Texas might face a higher risk of hurricanes and tropical storms making landfall, bringing heavy rainfall and potential flooding. The NOAA predicts between 17 and 25 named storms this season, with four to seven becoming major hurricanes classified as category 3, 4, or 5.
Have any hurricanes hit the U.S. this hurricane season?
Hurricane season stretches from June 1 Nov. 30 with a peak in mid-September. There have not been any hurricanes this year in the U.S.
More: List of 2024 Atlantic hurricane names leads with Alberto. See which retired this year
Interactive map: Hurricanes, tropical storms that have passed near your city
— USA TODAY Network reporter Cheryl McCloud contributed to this report.
This article originally appeared on Lubbock Avalanche-Journal: NHC: Tropical disturbance pops up in Gulf of Mexico, south of Texas
