Dean looks good...really good already. NHC predicts 72 hours right now for hurricane strength...that may be a bit generous time wise. The Official track has shifted a bit further south in the latest update as well. Several model runs are pushing for a second ridge to push down over the East Coast keeping Dean from curving out to sea. It really can go without saying, but I'll say it anyway...that ridge will make or break Florida or any coastal location as far as Dean making landfall.

I don't think it's a question of if Dean will become a hurricane. It's a question of how strong will the High be...