Tracking the Tropics: Tropical system could directly affect much of Florida by midweek

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — UPDATED STORY: Invest 93-L likely to strengthen into tropical storm moving toward Florida next week

Action News Jax’s First Alert Weather Team is tracking Franklin far to the east but the focus is on a disturbance over the Northwest Caribbean.

>>> STREAM ACTION NEWS JAX LIVE <<<

Action News Jax Chief Meteorologist Mike Buresh provided the following updates Friday evening:

1. Franklin is still far to the east but is expected to become a hurricane over the weekend while over the Western Atlantic. Some waves to our coast with rip currents are expected late Sunday into Monday.
2. More importantly -- a disturbance over the Northwest Caribbean is being monitored. This system may become Idalia by late in the weekend or early next week while moving into the Gulf of Mexico.
3. No Florida or local impacts are expected through the weekend into Monday.
4. The storm may directly affect much of Florida and Jacksonville by midweek -- anywhere from late Tuesday through Wednesday into early Thursday.
5. There will be at least some changes in the forecast in the coming days.

Stay up to date on the latest First Alert Forecasts and make sure to read “Talking the Tropics With Mike.”

Read: JFRD combines efforts with the Red Cross for a proactive approach to hurricane season

The First Alert Weather Team will continue to monitor the tropics and update you throughout the weekend.

[SIGN UP: Action News Jax Daily Headlines Newsletter]

Click here to download the free Action News Jax news and weather apps, click here to download the Action News Jax Now app for your smart TV and click here to stream Action News Jax live.