South America

Weather Underground Forecast for Friday, July 18, 2008.

Heavy rain and storms are expected over western Mexico on Friday as result of low pressure, while a tropical wave will trigger strong thunderstorms over Central America and southern Mexico. The heaviest of the rainfall will occur in the afternoon on Friday. Hurricane Elida will continue to move westward away from land, and could weaken into a tropical storm on Friday. Tropical Storm Fausto, which is located off of the southwestern coast of Mexico, is expected to strengthen Friday, and could reach hurricane status by the end of Friday or sometime in the first half of Saturday. It will move to the northwest, keeping the path of the storm close to parallel with the western coast of Mexico. An area of low pressure located near Tropical Storm Fausto has the slight potential to develop. Meanwhile, the Greater Antilles will see mostly pleasant conditions on Friday, except for a few showers and storms in the afternoon. An area of low pressure will move over the Windward Islands on Friday. This low has the potential to be a tropical depression by the time it reaches the islands, but will produce strong winds and heavy rainfall over the islands regardless of development.

In South America, showers and storms will persist across the northern part of the continent on Friday. Meanwhile, a weak trough will produce clouds and scattered light rain across northern Argentina and Uruguay. High pressure off of the coast of Chile will trigger coastal showers along southern Chile and southern Argentina on Friday, while parts of northeastern Brazil can also expect coastal showers.