An area of low pressure over the northeastern Gulf of Mexico should remain offshore, with additional development (into a short-lived tropical depression or tropical storm) possible over the next day or two as the system begins to drift southward.  Regardless of development, locally heavy showers may occur through the weekend across peninsular Florida.  Meanwhile, high pressure centered over the Midwest will maintain dry conditions during the next 5 days over the eastern Corn Belt.  Part of the Northeast, however, may receive much-needed rainfall, starting on Friday. 

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