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A potential Type Nine tropical cyclone is expected to form later this week, posing a hurricane threat to the U.S. Gulf Coast.
You can track the storm using the maps below, and for full forecast details, check out our latest article here.
Forecast path
(The red shaded area indicates the possible path of the tropical cyclone’s center. It is important to note that the impacts (particularly heavy rain, high surf, coastal flooding, winds) of a tropical cyclone typically extend beyond its forecast path.)
Spaghetti models
(The lines in this graphic represent some of the many predictions from various computer models. This is not an official forecast, but they serve as a guide for constructing the projected trajectory.)
Observations and warnings
(A warning is issued when tropical storm conditions are possible within 48 hours. A warning is issued when these conditions are expected within 36 hours.)
Current satellite
(The highest cloud tops, corresponding to the strongest convection, are shown in dark red and pink. A cluster of deep convection around the center is a sign of a healthy tropical cyclone.)
Precipitation forecast
(This should be taken as a rough forecast of where the heaviest rain may fall. Higher amounts of rain may occur where bands or clusters of thunderstorms become established over a period of several hours.)
Tropical Storm Strength Wind Probabilities and Most Likely Arrival Times
(This map illustrates the timing and potential extent of tropical storm-force winds from the air. While hurricane-force winds may occur in some areas, the onset of tropical storm-force winds will complicate storm preparations.)
Current wind shear
(Cloud areas are shown in white. Areas of strong wind shear, the difference in wind speed and direction with altitude, are shown in purple. High wind shear is damaging to mature tropical cyclones and those just developing.)
Heat content of the ocean
(This map shows not only areas of warm water, but also areas of warm deep water, which plays an important role in the formation and activation of tropical cyclones.)
Linda Lam is a senior meteorologist at weather.com. Growing up in Massachusetts, she developed a fascination with winter storms and hurricanes that led her to pursue a career in meteorology.
