TRACK: Patty likely to form, but will system target Florida?

ORLANDO, Fla. – A weather system trekking across the Atlantic has a very good chance of tropical development as it continues on a path toward the United States.

The tropical wave was located near the Leeward Islands on Monday morning.

"Environmental conditions are forecast to gradually become more conductive for the potential of development of a tropical or subtropical cyclone by the middle of the week," News 6 meteorologist Troy Bridges said. "The system is forecast to move west-northwest for the next few days."

The disturbance will likely pass near or north of the Leeward Islands, Puerto Rico and the southeastern Bahamas.

The National Hurricane Center said Monday morning that the system has a 90 percent chance of development over the next five days.

If it becomes a named storm, it will be called Patty.

"I know everyone’s concerned about Florida when they look at potential of this system's path, but the good news is there will be a few fronts that will likely block it," Bridges said. "It's too early to tell, however, so we will watch it closely."

Hurricane season officially ends at the end of November.

In 2016, Otto became a named storm and later strengthened into a Category 3 hurricane, causing significant damage in Panama and Costa Rica.

Orlando-area forecast

Meanwhile, Central Florida will be dealing with record heat on Monday.

Expect a high of 88 in Orlando on Monday, which would tie the record set in 2015. The average high on this date is 79.

"Rain chances re-enter the picture, too," Bridges said. "Expect a 30 percent chance of rain."

[WEATHER: Extended forecast | Radar | Warnings | Pinpoint Weather Zones]
[DOWNLOAD: Pinpoint, Hurricane apps | SHARE: Weather pictures]

Tuesday's high will be 87.

Rain chances jump to 50 percent on Tuesday and Wednesday.

A front brings cooler weather, with Thursday's high near 80. Friday's high will be 68, and weekend lows will be in the 40s and 50s over the weekend in Central Florida.

Watch News 6 and stay with ClickOrlando.com for updates.