(NCNN WeatherCenter)–Tropical Depression 2 officially formed off the coast of North Carolina on Monday.

With maximum sustained winds near 35mph, it is expected to become a tropical storm by Monday night.

There is a 70% chance it could become the second named storm of the season.

It could continue to strengthen on Tuesday morning, but should begin to weaken by Tuesday night and is expected to dissipate on Wednesday, according to NCNN meterologist Peta Sheerwood.

“We’re likely to see a Tropical Depression form later today, or a Tropical Storm,” she said.

The storm would be expected to move away from NC, but the formation shows how much activity in the tropics is beginning to pick up.

Meteorologists are also keeping an eye on a system in the Pacific.

If it crosses the Bay of Campeche and emerges in the Gulf of Mexico on Sunday, it has a 40% chance to develop into a tropical system in the following five days.

This system is not likely to affect our weather in North Carolina.

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