Season’s First Threat of Tropical Storm Developing in Gulf of America

GULF OF AMERICA — The shared west Gulf Coast between Mexico and the U.S. is keeping an eye on its first tropical test of the season.

The National Hurricane Center in Miami reports a low chance of development into a tropical storm in the next 48 hours, but it jumps in possibility over the next week.

The name of the potential tropical storm would be Dexter. That is, unless the tropical depression in the Pacific develops first. In that case, the Gulf Coast storm will adopt the name “Erin.”

The system is currently projected to hit southern Mexico, but if it managed to crawl further up the coast, it would be the first direct hit to Texas since Category 5 Hurricane Beryl precisely one year ago on June 27, 2024.

Even if the system doesn’t hit Texas, it could potentially bring some significant rainfall.

Tropical activity typically increases in late July or early August, and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration stated it anticipates a busier hurricane season than usual.