First Tropical System of 2011

Tropical Storm Arlene is still hanging around in the western Gulf of Mexico drifting into central Mexico.

Forecast continues to drive this west over the next several days

The National Hurricane Center concurs

Since the water temperatures are above normal, we can expect more tropical storms in the weeks ahead

The Atlantic is very quiet due to dust from Africa spreading west

Movement on any tropical waves will be westward.  Unless a storm develops in the Gulf, the Caribbean storms should stay away from the US

We are still looking at an above normal year of tropical storms.  If you are vacationing along the east coast or Florida, your chances of being affected by a tropical storm/Hurricane this year is increasing.