Hurricane Rafael has weakened from a Category 3 status to 65 mph winds in the Gulf of Mexico, continuing to drift over the region. The storm is expected to weaken further due to adverse conditions. Meanwhile, a low-pressure system near Puerto Rico has a slim chance of developing, potentially increasing moisture in South Florida next week.

Hurricane Rafael began as a powerful Category 3 storm, one of the strongest November hurricanes recorded in the Gulf of Mexico. As of Friday morning, its maximum sustained winds have decreased significantly from a peak of 120 mph to 65 mph, and the storm is now slowly drifting over the Gulf. Over the coming days, Rafael is expected to weaken further, due to increased wind shear and drier air conditions in the area. In addition, a low-pressure system located north of Puerto Rico is projected to head toward the southern Bahamas, with low chances of developing into a tropical storm, although it may bring additional moisture to South Florida next week.

Hurricane Rafael is notable for being one of the strongest hurricanes to form in the Gulf of Mexico during November, a month typically associated with fewer intense storms. The National Hurricane Center monitors such hurricanes closely, as they can still impact coastal areas. The development of tropical systems is influenced by various atmospheric conditions, including wind shear and moisture availability, factors that Rafael is currently facing.

In summary, Hurricane Rafael, after reaching significant intensification, is now losing strength as it meanders over the Gulf of Mexico. The storm is expected to continue weakening due to unfavorable environmental conditions. Additionally, an area of low pressure in the Atlantic may bring moisture to Florida early next week, though it is unlikely to develop into a significant tropical system.

Original Source: www.nbc-2.com