The National Hurricane Center (NHC) is observing a system in the Gulf of Mexico that could evolve into a tropical storm in the next few days.

According to an update from the NHC early Monday morning, the system known as Invest 97L is generating thunderstorms and rain, exhibiting “signs of organization with a broad low-pressure area” over the northwestern Caribbean Sea. If it develops, it will be named Helene.

The NHC indicated that the conditions seem favorable for the system to grow stronger, with a “tropical depression or storm expected to form over the upcoming days” as it moves north across the northwestern Caribbean Sea into the southeastern Gulf of Mexico.

“Regardless of development, this system is anticipated to bring heavy rainfall to parts of Central America in the coming days,” the NHC advisory stated, advising those in the northwestern Caribbean, the Yucatan Peninsula, and western Cuba to keep a close eye on the situation.

The system is predicted to move northward across the eastern Gulf of Mexico, prompting those along the northeastern Gulf Coast to stay updated on its progress, according to the NHC.

Another potential storm developing in the eastern Atlantic

The NHC also reported on Monday that they are tracking a tropical wave situated between western Africa and the Cabo Verde Islands, which is showing “disorganized shower and thunderstorm activity.”

Conditions appear conducive for slow development of this system as well, with expectations that a tropical depression could form later this week as the system shifts west-northwest across the eastern and central tropical Atlantic.

The NHC estimates a 70% chance of development for this system over the next seven days.

Tracking storms in the Atlantic and Gulf

Models for Invest 97L

The provided illustrations feature various forecasting tools and models, not all of which are equally reliable. The NHC relies on only the top-performing four or five models to create their forecasts.

Tropical Storm John prompts warnings for parts of southern Mexico

This morning, Tropical Storm John was located approximately 130 miles south of Punta Maldonado with maximum sustained winds at 45 mph, leading the Mexican government to issue both a Hurricane Watch and a Tropical Storm Warning for the region from Punta Maldonado to Bahias de Huatulco.

According to the NHC, John is moving north-northeast at about 3 mph, with a gradual increase in speed towards the north-northeast expected over the next couple of days.

The forecast suggests that the system will approach southern Mexico’s coast within the next couple of days and may move inland by Tuesday or Wednesday. The NHC also predicts that John could strengthen and possibly become a hurricane before making landfall.

The NHC estimates that areas along the Chiapas coast may receive between 6 to 12 inches of rain, with isolated amounts potentially reaching 15 inches. Additionally, regions along and adjacent to the coast of Oaxaca to southeast Guerrero can expect between 10 and 20 inches of rain, with isolated totals nearing 30 inches through Thursday.

“These heavy rainfall amounts are likely to result in substantial and potentially life-threatening flash floods and mudslides, especially in coastal areas of Chiapas, Oaxaca, and southeast Guerrero,” the NHC cautioned on Monday.

Gabe Hauari is a national trending news reporter at YSL News. Follow him on X @GabeHauari