Tropical Storm Rafael is currently delivering significant rainfall across Jamaica as it approaches the Cayman Islands, where hurricane conditions are anticipated. Forecasters predict the storm will intensify into a hurricane later today before impacting western Cuba and moving into the Gulf of Mexico by Wednesday night.

A tropical storm warning is in effect for the Lower and Middle Florida Keys, with tropical storm conditions expected to begin Wednesday. While Rafael’s forecast path and intensity remain uncertain, the storm could lead to increased rainfall in Florida and parts of the southeastern United States as tropical moisture moves northward.

As Rafael enters the Gulf of Mexico, conditions such as strong wind shear, dry air, and cooler waters are expected to weaken the system.