Forecasters watching systems in Gulf, Atlantic during summer heat wave

Forecasters are keeping an eye on two systems — a tropical wave in the Atlantic an area of low pressure in the Gulf of Mexico — that could each strengthen in the coming days.

The wave in the Atlantic has a 60% chance for development over the next five days, according to the National Hurricane Center.

“Cloudiness and showers have become a little more concentrated near a tropical wave located over the central tropical Atlantic Ocean,” the NHC said its 7 a.m. forecast on Saturday. “Environmental conditions appear conducive for development of this system over the next few days, and a tropical depression could form during the early to middle part of next week.”

The system is expected to move westward at 15 to 20 mph over the Atlantic and move into the Caribbean Sea by Wednesday.

The low pressure system in the Gulf has a 20% for development over the next five days.

“Any development of this system would likely be slow to occur as it drifts westward toward the northwestern Gulf of Mexico,” the NHC said.

Weather Channel meteorologist Scott Pilié said the system can “be sneaky” due to their small size that can allow them to develop in warm water temperatures and low wind shear.

“This could bring beneficial rainfall to sections of Texas & Louisiana, but we will need to be watched for a flash flood risk,” Pilié said on Facebook.

The Mississippi Coast and much of the South have been dealing with record-breaking hot temperatures this week during a summer heat wave.

A heat advisory is in effect Saturday for Hancock, Harrison and Jackson counties — including the cities of Biloxi, Gulfport, Ocean Springs and Bay St. Louis. New Orleans and Baton Rouge are also included in the advisory.

Heat indices are expected to be between 108 and 112 degrees in Louisiana and South Mississippi, the National Weather Service said.