First Alert Forecast: Tropical Storm Ian forms, high surf & rips from Fiona...plus fall air!

WILMINGTON, N.C. (WECT) - Happy Friday evening to you! Following the passage of an overnight cold front, you will want to have a sweatshirt ready to go the next couple of mornings for brisk temperatures in the 50s first thing Saturday and 70s by the afternoon!

Ocean water temperatures ought to remain in the enticing lower 80s, despite the cold front, for the next few days. Swell from the distant but powerful Hurricane Fiona continues to cause concern for any maritime plans. Purposeful breakers of two to four feet, plus a moderate risk of rip currents should be expected through the weekend.

In the tropics: Tropical Storm Ian formed out of Tropical Depression Nine in the Caribbean Sea late this evening. The most likely scenario for TS Ian: it develops into a strong hurricane as it intensifies and tracks over or near Florida next week. It is possible, but far from a guarantee, the Carolinas will feel significant impacts late next week; specifics and impacts are yet undefinable, but stay tuned!

Tropical Storm Hermine has also formed out of Tropical Depression Ten in the far eastern Atlantic Ocean. It is expected to weaken amid harsh upper level winds by early next week.

Fiona remains one of many noteworthy items on the Atlantic tropical scene. Its core will make it closest pass to Bermuda Friday before moving north toward the coast of Nova Scotia. Farther east, Tropical Storm Gaston remains zero threat to North America.

Catch your full seven-day forecast here: http://webpubcontent.gray.tv/wect/MAXSevendayWECT.jpg.

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Atlantic Hurricane Season rolls through November. Stay ready for anything with wect.com/hurricane.

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