Tropical Storm Karl formed over the Southwest Gulf of Mexico on Tuesday afternoon. At 5:00 p.m. EDT on Tuesday the center of Tropical Storm Karl was located at latitude 19.6°N and longitude 94.4°W which put it about 120 miles (195 km) east-northeast of Veracruz, Mexico. Karl was moving toward the northwest at 6 m.p.h. (10 km/h). The maximum sustained wind speed was 40 m.p.h. (65 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 50 m.p.h. (80 km/h). The minimum surface pressure was 1006 mb.

A Tropical Storm Watch was issued for the portion of the coast from Cabo Rojo to Puerto Veracruz, Mexico.

A portion of the northern side of the circulation around former Hurricane Julia moved over the Southwestern Gulf of Mexico on Tuesday. Satellite images indicated that a distinct circulation developed over the Bay of Campeche. After an Air Force Reserve Hurricane Hunter plane found sustained winds to tropical storm force, the National Hurricane Center designated the system as Tropical Storm Karl. The government of Mexico issued a Tropical Storm Watch for a portion of the coast.

Thunderstorms developed in the inner end of a band that wrapped around the northeastern part of the center of Tropical Storm Karl. Other bands of showers and thunderstorms were revolving around the center of circulation. Storms near the center generated upper level divergence that pumped mass away from the tropical storm. Winds to tropical storm force extended out 115 miles (185 km) from the center of Karl’s circulation.

Tropical Storm Karl will move through an environment favorable for intensification during the next 24 hours. Karl will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 29˚C. It will move under the center of an upper level ridge over the southern Gulf of Mexico. The upper level winds are weak near the center of the ridge and there will be little vertical wind shear. Tropical Storm Karl is likely to intensify during the next 24 hours. Karl will move closer to the western side of the upper level ridge in a day or so. Southwesterly winds will cause the vertical wind shear to increase when Tropical Storm Karl moves under the western part of the upper level ridge.

Tropical Storm Karl will move around the southwestern part of a high pressure system that extends over the Gulf of Mexico. The high pressure system will steer Karl toward the northwest during the next 24 hours.. On its anticipated track, Tropical Storm Karl will move toward the east coast of Mexico. The high pressure system could push Karl toward the southwest on Thursday.