WHAT TO KNOW:
The Fox 4 Storm Shield Weather Team is continuing to monitor Invest 99L north of Cuba. As of Saturday evening, the storm system appears to be better defined, but is still struggling to organize as it tracks west northwestward at 10 mph. The National Hurricane Center continues to believe that development is unlikely through Sunday. However, Invest 99L has been given a 50% chance of becoming a named storm over the next 5 days by the National Hurricane Center.
WHAT IT MEANS:
Regardless if Invest 99L develops or not into Hermine, Southwest Floridians can expect impacts from this system primarily in the form of increased rain chances, breezy conditions and higher seas.
Invest 99L will approach the region Sunday bringing abundant cloud cover and an increase in rain coverage throughout the day. Keep in mind that although Sunday will not be a washout, storms that occur will be capable of locally heavy rainfall, frequent lightning and gusty winds.
The unsettled weather pattern will continue Monday as Invest 99L meanders in the Gulf of Mexico bringing an abundance of tropical moisture to Southwest Florida. Showers and thunderstorms will be likely in the afternoon hours, but will also be possible in the overnight and morning hours as well. Model projections show that Invest 99L could dump 3 to 5 inches of rain across Southwest Florida through Tuesday, with some locally higher amounts possible. Some improvement in our weather is expected by Wednesday as the low tracks away from the area.
At this point in time, it is still too early to make a call on the track or strength of Invest 99L beyond Monday. By Monday, the system will be in a more favorable environment to develop, with warm waters and lighter wind shear.
Because of this uncertainty, please check back often for the very latest updates at fox4now.com/weather
