Tropical Storm Dexter has officially formed off the East Coast of the United States. Thankfully, this storm is moving away from the U.S. and will have little to no impact on our local weather patterns.

Some strengthening is possible in the short term, but Dexter is expected to weaken and dissipate in the North Atlantic within the next week.

This is the fourth named storm of the season. “Erin” is the next name on the 2025 storm naming list.

There are two additional areas the National Hurricane Center is monitoring. In the yellow-shaded region, an area of low pressure could form with a low (20%) chance of development over the next week. If it does develop, early signs suggest a west or northwest drift, which could increase rain chances in the Tampa Bay area later this week.

A tropical wave emerging from Africa has slightly better odds of development. The latest NHC outlook increases its development chances to 40% (in the orange-shaded region) within the next seven days. This disturbance is more than 4,000 miles away, giving us plenty of time to monitor its progress.

We’re keeping an eye on a broad area of low pressure currently over Florida. As it moves into the northern Gulf over the next day or so, it will have a brief window for possible development heading into the end of the workweek and the start of the weekend.The National Hurricane Center is giving it a low 10% chance of formation within the yellow-shaded area on their outlook.

One of the main limiting factors is moderate wind shear, which is expected to persist in that region over the next few days.

If development were to occur, the system would take the name Dexter and would likely track away from Florida.

Regardless of development, this disturbance will continue drawing deep tropical moisture over the state, boosting rain chances.

As it shifts westward this weekend, it will also help pull in drier air behind it. This gives many of us a much-needed break from the rain and a better chance to enjoy some sunshine.