The first tropical system of the year may be forming in the northern Gulf of Mexico this morning. The National Hurricane Center in Miami has the system (Designated as 90AL) as having a high probability of becoming a tropical cyclone before making landfall later today. Whether it becomes a tropical depression or even a tropical storm (which the name would be Ana), it will bring heavy rain and gusty winds to the gulf coast. Why is this being mentioned on a blog about Iowa weather? Numerous forecast models show this feature moving NNW and then North, moving into Iowa late Monday or Tuesday. Chances of showers and thunderstorms will likely increase with this feature if it happens to move in our direction. Widespread severe weather is not expected with this system. More on this later.