Atlantic Ocean — Tropical depression number four has formed in the south central Atlantic Ocean not far from Florida and the Bahamas over the Turks and Caicos Islands. Tropical storm warnings have already been issued for those areas as well as parts of the southern Bahamas.
The system is expected to strengthen in to a named storm by Sunday and will take the name of Cristobal if/when it does. Maximum sustained winds are 35 mph. This system will move to tropical storm status when winds reach 39 mph or greater. The National Hurricane Center is forecasting this to become a hurricane (74 mph winds or greater) by late Monday or early Tuesday.
While the track of this system can/will change, most forecast models keep it out over the warmer waters of the south central Atlantic east of Florida and off the coast of the Southeast and Mid-Atlantic United States the next several days. That said, rip currents, erosional surf and some inclement weather is still likely along the outer bank islands and immediate ocean-shore locations in the upcoming week. Click here for the National Hurricane Center link and more information.
While the East Coast may see a glancing blow from this tropical system, West Michigan has a shot at seeing our first 90 degree temperature thus far this year! Hazy, hot, and humid conditions will occur the next few days here with 90 possible in many locations both Monday and Tuesday. Chance of thunderstorms will also increase Monday night, Tuesday, and Wednesday as a front sags in to the state and stalls overhead.
Get the complete West Michigan forecast at http://www.fox17online.com/weather.
