### Tropical Cyclone Set to Become Storm Rafael, Heads for Gulf of Mexico

A new tropical system, designated Potential Tropical Cyclone 18 by the National Hurricane Center, is forecasted to gain strength and become Tropical Storm Rafael by Monday. Currently, this area of low pressure is organizing as it tracks across the western Caribbean.

As the system heads northwest, it is expected to impact Jamaica and the Cayman Islands by Tuesday. Jamaica is under a Tropical Storm Warning, while the Cayman Islands have issued a Hurricane Watch in anticipation of escalating conditions. Early forecasts predict the system will develop into a tropical storm early in the week, maintaining that status as it approaches Cuba.

Residents in Cuba could begin experiencing effects from the storm as soon as Tuesday afternoon. By Wednesday, the storm might intensify further, reaching Category 1 hurricane status as it enters the eastern Gulf of Mexico. However, models suggest the system will weaken back to a tropical storm as it continues deeper into the Gulf.

There remains significant uncertainty about the storm’s path once it is in the Gulf of Mexico, evident by the wide forecast cone of uncertainty. People along the Texas Gulf Coast to the Florida Panhandle are advised to stay informed and prepared for potential changes in the forecast. Rafael is expected to peak as a Category 1 hurricane briefly on Wednesday before downgrading again.

Stay updated for further developments as this system’s forecast may evolve.