Tropical Storm Josephine expected to form in Atlantic
The 11th tropical depression of the Atlantic hurricane season has formed and will likely develop into a tropical storm by Wednesday night.
If the storm gains enough strength to be named, it would be Josephine.
The depression is about 1,000 miles east of the Lesser Antilles. WRAL meteorologist Elizabeth Gardner said it will probably turn toward Bermuda by the end of the weekend and that it is unlikely to affect the United States.
However, she said it's "way too early to tell" for certain what will happen.
WRAL's interactive hurricane tracker
Storm chances ramp up this week
In North Carolina, the chance for afternoon storms will increase every day this week, according to Gardner, with the chance greater by Thursday and Friday.
There is a 30% chance for rain and thunderstorms Wednesday afternoon. That chance increases to 50% for Thursday.
"By the time we get to 3 or 4 p.m., the storms could begin," Gardner said. "I know you know that pattern by now."
Some storms could be on the strong side, with wind gusts as the main threat and heavy rain possible. As much as 1 to 2 inches of rain could fall across central North Carolina through the weekend, and minor flooding will be possible.
This consistent storm pattern is typical for summertime in North Carolina.
The outlook for the remainder of the month is for near-normal highs without the excessive heat we had in July, Gardner said.
Rain chances increase later in the week with the arrival of a cold front on Thursday and Friday. Those days will be mostly cloudy with up to 60% chance for storms.
