Newly formed tropical wave in the Eastern Atlantic may have a rough weekend

SOUTHWEST FLORIDA (WINK) — The WINK Weather Authority is monitoring newly designated 96L in the eastern Atlantic. But this area of low pressure will have a rough time surviving the weekend.

Invest 96L is expected to become a tropical depression within the next couple of days as it tracks westward across the Atlantic. However, forecasters say it will hit trouble by the weekend, encountering strong wind shear that should keep it weaker, or potentially tear it apart. 

Models largely agree the system will curve to the northwest, staying away from the Caribbean. Even in the unlikely case it tracked toward the Caribbean, stronger shear would prevent it from strengthening.

Bottom line: this system is not expected to be a concern for Southwest Florida but is certainly something the WINK Weather Authority will watch closely.

NHC Outlook:

• Formation chance (48 hours): 60% (medium)
• Formation chance (7 days): 70% (high)