First Tropical System to Hit the U.S.

Tropical Storm Don continues to spin in the Gulf of Mexico this morning.  Moving to the west/northwest around 14 mph maximum wind speeds are around 50 mph and the pressure is at 1000mb.

Tropical Storm Don is not expected to reach hurricane strength before reaching the coast of Texas early Saturday morning because there is a fair amount of wind shear within the atmosphere.  The combination of shear and dry air aloft will likely limit the intensification of Don, despite it moving through warm waters.  High pressure located across the U.S. will help to steer Don west/northwest until making landfall, where it is expected to weaken once it reaches Mexico.  Tropical Storm Warnings have been issued for areas along the southern coast of Texas. 

This may actually be some good news for residents there as the extreme drought has been a big problem for people in the southern Plains.  Some much needed rainfall may help alleviate some of those drought conditions, at least for extreme southern Texas.