As of today, July 20, 2026, Tropical Depression Two is making waves—or rather, it’s hanging out over the northeastern Gulf of America. Just yesterday, at 5:00 PM EDT, the National Hurricane Center reported that this depression is currently stationary, with maximum sustained winds reaching 30 mph. How’s that for a summer surprise? But don’t get too comfortable; forecasts suggest it’ll gradually strengthen into a tropical storm within the next 24 hours. So, keep your eyes peeled!
The system is expected to inch northwestward or even north-northwestward before making a turn to the west. This slow movement means it’ll be hanging around the northern Gulf Coast for a while. Residents along the Gulf Coast, especially in Florida, Alabama, Mississippi, and Louisiana, should brace themselves. Heavy rainfall is projected, with totals between 2 to 4 inches and localized amounts possibly reaching up to 8 inches through Friday. Flash flooding, particularly in urban areas, is definitely a concern.
Current Weather Conditions
As for the weather in our neck of the woods, the high-pressure system stretching over the Florida Peninsula is keeping things a bit calmer—but not for long. Gentle to moderate southern to southeast winds are expected in the coastal waters of the Florida Keys from Sunday afternoon through Thursday. Those winds will be around 10 to 15 knots, making for some pleasant boating conditions, at least for now. Waves will be manageable, sitting around 2 to 3 feet today and dipping to 1 to 2 feet for the next few days.
Tonight, expect winds from the south to southwest with a slight chance of showers and maybe a rumble of thunder. If you’re planning on being out and about, keep that umbrella handy! Tomorrow looks like more of the same—light winds and a low chance of showers as we kick off the week. By Tuesday, the winds will shift to southeast, tapering off in the afternoon. It’s all pretty typical summer weather for Florida, but with a tropical twist lurking just off the coast.
Stay Updated!
For those in Palm Beaches and the Treasure Coast, the good news is that no direct tropical impacts are anticipated for your area. However, the broader circulation of Tropical Depression Two is stirring up some unsettled weather, leading to scattered showers and thunderstorms. So, don’t let your guard down completely! As the storm develops, it’s wise to keep an eye on the forecasts.
For anyone planning to go out, the National Hurricane Center has issued a tropical storm watch from the Ochlockonee River to the Florida-Alabama border, which indicates possible storm conditions could hit within the next 36 to 48 hours. Just to be safe, it wouldn’t hurt to check in with WPTV First Alert Weather meteorologists, who will be providing updates as new advisories roll in. They’re on it!
The Science Behind It All
Now, let’s take a moment to consider what’s fueling this tropical activity. Tropical storms need warm water—specifically, temperatures above about 26.5 degrees Celsius—and minimal disruptive winds aloft. With sea surface temperatures in the Atlantic warming up by about 0.6 degrees, we’re seeing more evaporation, which means more energy in the atmosphere. That’s a recipe for storms. Interestingly, while the number of hurricanes fluctuates yearly, there’s been an increase in their strength over recent decades. The question remains: Is climate change a contributing factor? Experts are still debating that one.
So, as we navigate through this tropical season, remember that the weather can change in an instant. Stay informed, keep your loved ones close, and enjoy the summer while keeping an eye on those forecasts!
For more detailed information, check out the full weather report from the National Weather Service and stay tuned for updates from WPTV First Alert Weather.