The first Tropical Storm of the 2008 Eastern Pacific Season formed late last night into early this morning off the coast of Nicaragua. Tropical Storm Alma has likely reached its peak intensity at 65mph due to its proximity to the coast. This system will drift north-northwestward inland across Central America tomorrow into the weekend and may dissipate thereafter. However, lower than normal pressures and deep tropical moisture will stay in place in that region over the next 3-5 days, so severe flooding will be possible. Long range models continue to have different solutions with the future in this area with additional development still a possibility anywhere from the Bay of Campeche, through the Southern Gulf and/or Northwestern Caribbean mid-late next week so we’ll continue to monitor this area. Meanwhile our local weather will stay hot and mostly dry with minimal rain chances through the weekend into the early part of next week. A slight increase in moisture and a weakening of the upper ridge may occur mid-late next week at least opening the door for a few afternoon showers and/or storms. Highs will continue near 90, perhaps a few degrees hotter into early next week, while lows tonight will be in the more comfortable upper 60s, moderating to near 70 this weekend and into the low-mid 70s next week.