Two tropical storms and a tropical wave are being monitored by the Bay News 9 Weather Experts, but only the tropical wave will impact the Bay area this weekend.
Tropical Storms Ernesto and Florence continue to strengthen far away from Florida, as a tropical wave off the east coast brings rain to the Bay area this weekend. According to Bay News 9 Meteorologist Mike Clay, Ernesto has become more organized in the eastern Caribbean and Florence continues to grow far out in the Atlantic.
Tropical Storm Ernesto
"With a ridge of high pressure settling in the Atlantic, Ernesto should continue its west or west northwest heading for the next three to five days," Bay News 9 Meteorologist Josh Linker said earlier Saturday. "This should keep the tropical storm and possible eventual hurricane well to the south or southwest of Florida."
"It is forecast to encounter less wind shear and warmer water over the next few days so it could become a hurricane in a day or so," Clay added.
Ernesto is in the general area of Puerto Rico and Jamaica, racing toward the Yucatan Peninsula at 22 mph. Maximum sustained winds are at 60 mph.
Tropical Storm Florence
Meanwhile, Florence became the sixth named storm of the season Saturday morning. It is thousands of miles from Florida, with maximum sustained winds of 60 mph.
Florence is moving west and will strengthen some, but with a lot of dry air over the Atlantic Ocean, "Florence is not going to really do a whole lot," Linker said. It was moving west-northwest at around 15 mph and was expected to continue in that general motion for the next two days.
Tropical Wave
Although both tropical storms won't impact local weather this weekend, a tropical wave approaching the east side of the state will.
"This is going to get us locked into a typical summertime pattern for the next several days, which means numerous heavy late-day showers and storms," Linker said.
The Bay News 9 weather team put the chance of rain at 80 percent Sunday. High temperatures could stay below 90 degrees.