Tropical depression forms in Gulf, National Hurricane Center says

Key Points:

• A tropical depression has formed off the Gulf Coast of Florida, prompting a tropical storm warning for the Florida Panhandle through Monday night, according to the National Hurricane Center.
• While the system could develop into Tropical Storm Bertha, forecasters expect Saharan dust and strong wind shear to likely prevent it from reaching hurricane strength.
• The depression is expected to bring high winds and heavy rains to Gulf Coast states including Florida, Alabama, Mississippi, and Louisiana, with residents advised to monitor the situation closely.
• An "Atlantic Niña" climate pattern has recently emerged, characterized by cooler sea-surface temperatures in the Atlantic equatorial waters, which may influence hurricane activity but generally has weaker effects than Pacific La Niña.
• The Atlantic Niña, combined with a powerful Super El Niño in the Pacific, is creating atmospheric conditions that could act as a shield, potentially reducing hurricane impacts on the U.S. during this season.