SARASOTA, Fla. (WWSB) – A system formed over the weekend that we have been monitoring and is expected to develop into a severe tropical storm and possibly a hurricane this week. Warnings are in effect for the Leeward Islands, and more warnings and/or advisories are likely throughout today and tomorrow. As the storm approaches the Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico, it is expected to begin to turn more northerly. Most models continue to agree very well on this. If it continues to follow the expected path, the state of Florida will feel little to no impact, as the storm could develop into a major hurricane that could threaten Bermuda.

The weather will remain unchanged for several days on the Suncoast. Light and variable winds from the southwest will continue to bring morning showers near the coast and afternoon storms that will develop near the coast and move inland through Wednesday. Storm movement could be slow and bring intermittent heavy rain in places. The air will be hot and humid in the afternoon, with heat indices around 108.

The high pressure system that is very close to us will move north starting Wednesday or early Thursday. This will shift the winds to the north or northeast and bring in much drier air by the weekend. This will reduce the chance of rain over the weekend.

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