The National Hurricane Center gave the Gulf system, designated Invest 97-L, a 20% chance of development over the next seven days, up slightly from earlier estimates, as it sits roughly 125 miles south of Pensacola. The system is expected to develop slowly, if at all, while it remains nearly stationary over the next several days.

The big picture: Meanwhile, Tropical Storm Dolly weakened into an open tropical wave Friday after a brief life in the Atlantic. The NHC gives Dolly's remnants just a 10% chance of redeveloping over the next week as the disturbance tracks west toward the Caribbean.

What they're saying: Fox Weather hurricane specialist Bryan Norcross said models show no clear signal on where, or whether, Dolly's remnants could regenerate as they approach Puerto Rico and Hispaniola's mountainous terrain, which often disrupts weak systems.

Zoom in: Neither system currently threatens Tampa Bay directly, but officials say the approaching peak of hurricane season, typically early-to-mid September, makes this the moment to prepare. Tampa's Office of Emergency Management recommends assembling a 72-hour emergency kit with water, non-perishable food, medications, flashlights and a NOAA weather radio.

Be smart: Key readiness steps for Tampa Bay households:

  • Know your evacuation zone through Hillsborough County's evacuation tool or Pinellas County's "Know Your Zone" portal
  • Register vulnerable family members for the Special Needs registry ahead of a storm watch
  • Secure loose outdoor items, clean gutters and storm drains, and trim weak tree branches
  • Photograph belongings and store insurance documents in a waterproof, fireproof container or the cloud
  • Plan pet arrangements, including carriers and registration for special-needs shelters if needed

The bottom line: With Gulf water still warm and the season's climatological peak approaching, Tampa Bay forecasters and emergency managers say there's no immediate threat; however, there is no reason to wait to prepare.