Forecasters are monitoring Invest 97L, which could strengthen into a tropical depression over the eastern Gulf of Mexico or near Florida this weekend or early next week.

As the wave progresses, environmental conditions may become more favorable for development after it passes the Greater Antilles.

If the tropical wave intensifies into a storm with sustained winds of 39 mph, it will be named Tropical Storm Debby, marking the fourth named storm of the 2024 Atlantic hurricane season.

Meteorologist Ali Davis from the National Weather Service in Tampa Bay emphasized that small changes in the system's path could lead to substantial differences in impact.

Early impacts on Florida may include downpours and gusty thunderstorms affecting the Florida Keys and southern peninsula, with risks of waterspouts and urban flooding.

Southern Florida may experience gusty winds and storms as the system moves into the Gulf over the weekend.

Flooding could occur if the system slows down or stalls over Florida, especially in areas already experiencing above-average rainfall this summer.

The National Hurricane Center has noted that the storm could lead to coastal flooding in Southwest Florida, which has already seen significant rainfall.

Residents in Florida and the Bahamas are advised to closely monitor the system's progress as forecasts continue to evolve.

Meteorologists anticipate that the tropical wave may initially develop slowly but could strengthen as it approaches Florida, leading to increased rainfall and thunderstorms.

Forecast models have shifted from predicting the system to travel along Florida’s east coast to a potential path into the Gulf of Mexico.

This tropical wave is the first significant system in the Atlantic since July 8, raising concerns among Floridians following the impactful Hurricane Beryl.