In an 11:30 a.m. EDT outlook, the NHC said the system, associated with a tropical wave, has become a little better organized. It said an Air Force reconnaissance aircraft was scheduled to investigate the area this afternoon.

"Environmental conditions do not appear especially favorable for development," the NHC said, but it added that "there is still potential for this system to become a tropical depression during the next day or two" as it moves westward at close to 15 to 20 miles per hour.

Separately, the NHC said another large area of cloudiness and showers developed over the northeastern Gulf of Mexico in association with an old frontal zone. Some slow development of this system is possible during the next day or two as it remains nearly stationary.

The NHC will name the next tropical storm Dean.