TAMPA, Fla. — Tropical Storm Barry dissipated early Monday after making landfall on Mexico’s east coast, while meteorologists closely monitor a new disturbance that could develop into a tropical system off Florida’s coast later this week.
As of 8 a.m., the National Hurricane Center noted that a low-pressure area had the potential to form either near the southeast U.S. coast, Florida, or over the eastern Gulf of Mexico. This development is expected as some atmospheric conditions weaken and stall moving southward from the north. The potential zone of influence extends across Central Florida.
Forecasters indicated there is a 20% likelihood of this system transforming into a tropical or subtropical storm over the next week. Given the unpredictability of tropical systems, residents along the east-central Florida coast are advised to stay updated on evolving forecasts.
The National Weather Service in Melbourne warned residents to prepare for increased rain chances in the days leading up to and during the Fourth of July holiday. Meteorologists stated that unsettled weather, along with high humidity, could lead to heavy rainfall, raising concerns about flooding in the region.
“A stalled frontal boundary bringing abundant moisture will likely result in multiple rounds of showers and thunderstorms,” forecasters said. “Heavy rainfall poses the primary risk, and we urge residents to keep an eye on the situation as it develops.”
If the disturbance intensifies, it could earn the name Tropical Storm Chantal, marking the third named storm of this Atlantic hurricane season. The season began on June 1, and although it has had a slow start, meteorologists have seen some activity, including the brief formation of Tropical Storm Andrea, which emerged in the central Atlantic and lasted less than a day without posing a threat to land.
Meanwhile, Barry made landfall shortly after midnight Monday with sustained winds reaching 45 mph but weakened quickly, with its remnants located about 100 miles northwest of Tampico, Mexico, by 5 a.m. As it moved northwest at 12 mph, forecasts indicated that areas across the states of San Luis Potosi and Tamaulipas could receive rainfall totals of 3 to 10 inches, creating the potential for life-threatening floods and mudslides, particularly in mountainous regions.
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration projects that the 2025 Atlantic hurricane season could see between 13 and 19 named storms, of which 6 to 10 are expected to become hurricanes. Furthermore, 3 to 5 of these hurricanes may develop into major storms classified as Category 3 or higher. The hurricane season remains in effect until November 30, leaving ample time for further developments. Residents along the Gulf and Atlantic coasts are urged to remain vigilant as the season progresses.