The season's second named storm was approaching the Lesser Antilles mid-week, and an uncertainty in the track and intensity forecast are making it hard to predict if there will be Gulf impact.

Tropical Storm Bret, which formed Monday, had maximum winds of 50 miles per hour on Tuesday, according to the National Hurricane Center. A tropical storm watch was in effect for Caribbean islands and countries.

It was initially expected to become the season's first hurricane – Arlene never grew into one – but its intensity predictions were lessened after it formed. It will bring rain and potential flooding hazards to islands but was expected to weaken after moving over the Caribbean.

What may be the season's third named story is coming off the African coast. Tropical storms get named once they reach 39 mph, and they become a hurricane at 74 mph. A major hurricane is 111 mph.

Bret is actually the third system to reach tropical storm strength this year after the National Hurricane Center reassessed a storm that formed off the northeastern U.S. in January. It was not given a name retroactively, though. Arlene formed June 2 and was the first to be named this season, which runs June 1 through Nov. 30.

According to previous reporting from GCM, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration predicted 12-17 named storms this year, including five to nine hurricanes and one to for major hurricanes. The agency said there is a 40% chance of a near-normal season, a 30& chance of an above-normal season and a 30% chance of a below-normal season.

Compared to the 2022 hurricane season, which saw 14 storms cause $117 billion in damage, this year is expected to be less active.