A new tropical depression has formed in the northern Gulf of Mexico, marking the fifth organized system of the 2026 hurricane season, though current tracking keeps it well clear of the Tampa Bay area.

Tropical Depression #5 developed roughly 100 miles south of the Louisiana coast and is forecast to push west toward northeast Texas by Tuesday, according to weather officials. The system does not currently threaten Florida’s Gulf coast, but its formation adds to what has already been an active stretch of tropical activity this summer.

Separately, forecasters are tracking the remnants of Tropical Storm Dolly, now a surface trough of low pressure producing disorganized showers and thunderstorms over Hispaniola, the Turks and Caicos, and the southeastern Bahamas. Meteorologists say significant redevelopment of that system is unlikely as it continues moving west-northwest at 15 to 20 mph across the southwestern Atlantic, though it could still bring locally heavy rain and gusty winds to those areas over the next couple of days.

In the Pacific, Hawaii is monitoring two separate storms, Lowell and Karina. Lowell is currently projected to track south of the island chain, while Karina is forecast to move westward, closer to the islands. Forecasters say it remains too early to determine whether Karina will directly affect Hawaii.

For Tampa Bay residents, none of the current systems pose an immediate threat, but the developments underscore that hurricane season remains active heading into September — historically the peak month for Atlantic tropical activity. Residents are encouraged to keep hurricane supplies stocked and monitor official National Hurricane Center updates as the season progresses.

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