ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — Tropical Storm Arlene, which had formed in the northwestern the Gulf of Mexico, was downgraded to a tropical depression.
The disturbance's maximum sustained winds have weakened to 25 mph, according to the National Hurricane Center.
Arlene is moving slowly southward and is expected to remain offshore from any land — well away from the Florida coastline — and be short-lived.
It's forecast that Arlene will weaken into the weekend and degenerate into a remnant low this week.
The NHC does not expect to issue any watches or warnings for the system, which is expected to meander southward over the next day or two. It will, however, continue to push in ample moisture and touch off numerous afternoon showers and storms.
Although torrential tropical downpours are anticipated, flooding concerns are on the low side because of the recent drought conditions. Still, areas prone to flooding could experience standing water at times.
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, or NOAA, in late May released its official forecast for the upcoming season, predicting 12-17 named storms, 5-9 hurricanes and 1-4 major hurricanes — considered Category 3 or higher.
An average season would bring 14 named storms, 7 hurricanes and 3 major hurricanes.