TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA)— A tropical depression could form by the middle of this week as a tropical wave over the far eastern tropical Atlantic is producing showers and thunderstorms, the National Hurricane Center announced.

The tropical wave is located over the far eastern tropical Atlantic south of the Cabo Verde Islands.

Environmental conditions are conducive to gradual development, the NHC said.

The system is expected to move westward to west-northwestward at about 15 mph across the eastern and central tropical Atlantic this week, NHC said.

The chance of formation in the next 48 hours is 20 percent.

The chance of formation in the next seven days is 60 percent.

If the system develops, the next name will be Gabrielle.

Watch Tracking the Tropics on Tuesdays at 12:30 p.m. ET/11:30 a.m. CT

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