The chances that a new named storm could form in the Caribbean and drift into the Gulf of Mexico next week are growing. As of Thursday morning, the hurricane center upped the possibility of strengthening to 40% within the next seven days, with no chance within the next two days.

The next tropical storm could come from a slow-spinning system in the northern Caribbean, according to the National Hurricane Center.

The Atlantic hurricane season continues to sputter along and is over halfway done. So far, the number of storms (seven) is slightly below average.