National Hurricane Center Issues Advisory On Potential Tropical Cyclone 15

The National Hurricane Center (NHC) has initiated official advisories for Potential Tropical Cyclone 15, which was formerly referred to as AL95, starting Friday afternoon. This system is being closely monitored as it shows potential to develop into Tropical Storm Nadine this week. As of the latest updates, the chances of it forming have been increasing, with the NHC reporting a 70 percent likelihood of development within the next 48 hours.

Located in the northwestern Caribbean Sea, Potential Tropical Cyclone 15 is currently exhibiting maximum sustained winds of 35 mph and is moving west-northwestward at a speed of 7 mph. The situation is dynamic, and the NHC is actively tracking the system's progress as it could impact surrounding regions.

In the wake of these developments, the NHC has reported that widespread showers and thunderstorms are becoming more organized across the northwestern Caribbean. This activity is associated with a broad area of low pressure that is gradually becoming more defined, particularly to the north of eastern Honduras. The environmental conditions appear favorable for additional development, and there is potential for a short-lived tropical depression or storm to form as the system moves inland over Central America on Saturday.

Those in Belize and the Yucatan Peninsula of Mexico are advised to keep a close watch on the progress of this system, as tropical storm watches or warnings may be issued later today. Regardless of whether the system develops further, heavy rainfall is expected to affect portions of Central America and southern Mexico throughout the weekend.

AccuWeather senior meteorologist Alyson Hoegg has indicated that if the storm forms, it will be named Nadine. She anticipates that it will strengthen into a tropical storm by the time it makes landfall in Belize around midday Saturday, although rapid intensification is not expected. It's important to note that the likelihood of the storm shifting toward the U.S. is very low.

Hoegg explained that a large area of high pressure over the eastern half of the nation is steering the storm westward, which will likely continue to influence its path. If it does develop into Tropical Storm Nadine, the storm is expected to gradually weaken as it moves across Belize.

The NHC is also monitoring another system, known as AL94, located in the northern Caribbean. However, the chances of this system developing into a named storm are diminishing, currently sitting at only 20%. Strong upper-level winds are predicted to inhibit further development by early next week.