JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – The disorganized low-pressure system with showers and thunderstorms lingering in the Gulf of Mexico does not appear to be going away anytime soon.

A broad area of ​​low pressure is expected to form over the southwestern or south-central Gulf of Mexico this weekend, and then some gradual development is possible as the low pressure area slowly moves eastward or northeastward.

A tropical or subtropical depression or storm could form early to mid next week if the low remains separated from a frontal boundary expected to move across the Gulf of Mexico next week, according to the latest update from the National Hurricane Center extend. .

What does this mean for our weekend plans? Saturday’s forecast brings morning showers along the coast and gusty winds that will blow inland all day; Temperatures will be near normal around 85 degrees. The forecast for Sunday is a bit cooler with more rain under increasing cloud. A lift in the Gulf system will create a rainy weekend for Central Florida, setting the stage for our wet weekend.

Hurricane Kirk, a major hurricane with winds of up to 140 miles per hour (Category 4), has weakened slightly while still moving northwest. However, large waves could hit the US East Coast by Sunday/Monday morning. The risk of rip currents will be high from our Southeast Georgia counties through Northeast Florida counties on Friday and will continue to be monitored throughout the weekend.

Meanwhile, Tropical Storm Leslie continues to show signs of improving organization over the next two to three days and developing into a Category 1 hurricane. This storm does not pose a threat to land for now.