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NHC is tracking two tropical waves. Weather forecast for Polk County through the weekend

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There's a beautiful map on the National Hurricane Center website this morning.

There are no disturbances on the meteorologists' tropical forecast map and the message displayed reads: “No tropical cyclone activity is expected over the next seven days.”

Of course, anything can and has happened and conditions can change at any time, so Floridians should remain vigilant, especially until the official end of the 2024 Atlantic hurricane season on November 30th.

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AccuWeather forecasters say there is a moderate chance of a tropical depression or storm developing next week.

What developed over the weekend into Hurricane Oscar, which struck Cuba and the Bahamas, has now dissipated over the open Atlantic and moved away from Florida and the United States. The National Hurricane Center issued its final warning for Oscar on Tuesday, October 22 at 2 p.m.

The next named storms of the 2024 Atlantic hurricane season will be Patty and Rafael.

Here is the latest announcement from the NHC from Wednesday October 23rd at 8am:

Is Another Tropical Storm or Hurricane Coming to Florida?

No, but AccuWeather meteorologists said the chance of tropical development in the Caribbean next week is moderate.

“We suspect there will be another attempt at a tropical depression or tropical storm brewing in the western Caribbean mid- to late next week,” AccuWeather Chief On-Air Meteorologist Bernie Rayno said.

Record warm waters that have driven tropical development throughout the season continue, particularly in the Caribbean. Combine that with a low probability of wind shear and you create conditions that are conducive to the development of tropical cyclones.

“A major storm or vortex could form again near the western Caribbean, which could promote new but slow development, considering warm waters and low wind shear,” AccuWeather said.

“The track of a new tropical feature in the Caribbean will depend on exactly where it forms and the strength and extent of non-tropical features moving further north across the United States and western Atlantic,” AccuWeather said.

What else is there and how likely are they to intensify?

As of 8 a.m., the National Hurricane Center recorded no tropical disturbances in the Atlantic basin, which consists of the North Atlantic, the Caribbean and the Gulf of Mexico.

Although there's nothing on the tropical outlook map, NHC meteorologists have said there are a few tropical waves out there, including one in the eastern Caribbean:

  • Central Atlantic: A tropical wave near 44W from 15N south is moving west at 17 mph.
  • Eastern Caribbean: A tropical wave in the eastern Caribbean near 62W west of Dominica and Martinique is moving west at 11 to 17 miles per hour. It will bring a few showers to the northern Leeward Islands.

Who is likely to be affected?

Meteorologists urge all residents to continue to monitor the tropics and always be prepared.

What is the forecast for Polk County for the weekend?

The National Weather Service's forecast for Polk County couldn't be better – especially given local efforts to alleviate ongoing flooding in Lakeland. This doesn't make the water any faster, but it doesn't make the problem worse either.

Don't expect any rain, except perhaps a few short-lived showers. Temperatures will range from the low 60s to mid 80s.

There is a plan: Will help soon be coming for the flooded districts at Lake Bonny?

Wednesday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 85. Northeast wind 6 to 10 mph.

Wednesday evening: Mostly clear, with a low around 64. Northeast wind 3 to 8 mph.

Thursday: Sunny, with a high near 85. Northeast wind 5 to 7 mph.

Thursday evening: Mostly clear, with a low around 63. Northeast wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening.

Friday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 85. East northeast wind 3 to 8 mph.

Friday evening: Partly cloudy, with a low around 65. East northeast wind 3 to 7 mph.

Saturday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 83. Northeast wind 5 to 8 mph.

Saturday evening: Partly cloudy, with a low around 62. East northeast wind 3 to 7 mph.

Sunday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 82. East-northeast wind 5 to 10 mph, with gusts as high as 18 mph.

Sunday evening: Partly cloudy, with a low around 64.

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When is Atlantic hurricane season?

The Atlantic hurricane season runs from June 1st to November 30th.

The Atlantic Basin includes the North Atlantic, the Caribbean Sea and the Gulf of Mexico.

Countdown Clock: When does hurricane season end?

Interactive map: Hurricanes and tropical storms that passed near your city

What's next?

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(This story has been updated to add new information.)

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