BROOKHAVEN — The Daily Leader is closely monitoring tropical activity in the Caribbean sea. The National Hurricane Center reports a tropical wave and disturbance continues with chances of a tropical cyclone increasing.

The National Hurricane Center, located in Miami, reports the tropical disturbance is currently producing disorganized showers and thunderstorms over Cuba, Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico and the Southeastern Bahamas. Development could be slow going into the weekend.

“However, environmental conditions are forecast to be more conducive for development after the wave passes the Greater Antilles, and a tropical depression is likely to form this weekend or early next week over the eastern Gulf of Mexico near the Florida Peninsula,” the National Hurricane Center reports.

NHC forecasts a 30 percent chance of tropical cyclone formation in the next 48 hours and 70 percent chance of formation in the seven day outlook.

The Daily Leader will continue to provide updates on tropical activity for the 2024 Hurricane Season.

Be sure to stay hydrated Friday and the rest of this weekend. The heat index is forecast to reach 107 Friday with a high of 98.