The low in the Gulf of Mexico has finally attained "tropical depression" status...barely. This system remains very poorly organized and the depression should have minimal effects on the central gulf coastline. Hurricane Hunters were only able to find 30-35 mile per hour winds with the depression which is located about near Pensacola in the western Florida panhandle Friday evening. In fact, it looks to me like the northern part of the circulation may be on shore. Further, dry air has entered the western portion of the depression and for these two reasons I am not expecting any significant strenghtening tonight or Saturday morning. The radar presentation only indicates scattered showers and thunderstorms mainly to the northeast of the center over south Georgia.

As far as the effects on our weather? To be honest with you, that question is still up in the air. With such a weak circulation around the depression downpours will have a very hard time moving inland Saturday. Right now the best chances for heavy showers will be to the southeast of Hattiesburg. There will be the chance for showers south of I-20 Saturday afternoon but right now the rain does not look like it will be that heavy and the overall coverage will be small. Bottom line, some passing showers for the WAPT area Saturday afternoon into the evening.

Concerning winds...this does not look to be a factor the the WAPT area.


DAVID