T.S. Erin could become a hurricane on Friday

SHREVEPORT, La. (KTAL/KMSS) – Tropical Storm Erin continues to make progress across the Atlantic and has strengthened a great deal since Wednesday.  The storm will likely become a hurricane sometime on Friday and could become the first major hurricane of the season this weekend.

Erin NHC outlook: Above is a constantly updated map showing Erin’s current location and strength.  Below is the latest forecast track from the National Hurricane Center.  This forecast has not changed much since yesterday, and continues to show a turn to the northwest during the next 5 days.  Long-range models suggest that Erin will eventually turn to the north and track between the US East Coast and Bermuda.  Models have shifted a little further west with this track since yesterday.  If you know someone along the East Coast, they will have to keep an eye on Erin’s progress.  Changes to the outlook are still possible. 

There is another disturbance over the SW Gulf.  There is a chance that this could become a depression or even a tropical storm before landfall near Brownsville late on Friday. All of its moisture will stay south of the ArkLaTex. 

ArkLaTex worries:  Weather worries here at home will remain few over the next week to ten days.  Upper-level high pressure will strengthen its grip on our weather, keeping us mainly dry and keeping us hot.  Severe weather is looking doubtful; however, we will see the occasional slim chance for the afternoon thunderstorm.  Our main worry will be the heat and humidity.  The heat index could surpass 105 during the next several days.  The weekly Drought Monitor was released today.  Despite our recent dry spell over much of the area, none of our area is starting to experience drought conditions yet.

Weather Worry Index for the next 10 days:  2 out of 10: Today’s WWI for the next ten days will remain at 2 out of 10.  Be aware of the chance of gusty winds if you are lucky enough to experience a thunderstorm.  Also, be careful in the high heat and humidity.