Weather Warmth Continues: Tropical Storm Rafael Forms

It's going to stay super warm this week, with record-breaking temperatures in the mornings and afternoons. A storm named Rafael has formed in the Caribbean and will soon enter the Gulf of Mexico. On Monday night, expect more clouds and maybe a little rain in the Capital Area. The low temperature will be unusually high, around 70°F. A breeze from the southeast will blow at about 10-15 mph. By Election Day, a cold front will approach from the west, bringing scattered showers and thunderstorms. The day will be mostly cloudy, with a high temperature in the mid-80s. That's still warmer than average for early November.

After Election Day, rain chances will decrease, and temperatures will go back up. They might even break a few more records. But there's some uncertainty about the weather later in the week. A tropical disturbance in the Gulf of Mexico could affect the Capital Region, but major impacts are unlikely. Rafael was born on Monday in the Caribbean Sea, with winds up to 45 mph. It's expected to become a Category 2 hurricane before hitting western Cuba on Wednesday. Then, it will move into the Gulf of Mexico and potentially slow down or meander. The Gulf Coast might feel some impacts from Rafael, but it's still too early to tell. Louisiana has never had a named storm hit in November, so this would be unusual. But with no strong cold fronts coming, it's something to watch out for. Elsewhere, Tropical Storm Patty has weakened, and another low-pressure system might form near the northern Leeward Islands.

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