 Arthur was the first tropical storm to form in the month of July since Alex of 1998

The origins of Tropical Storm Arthur are believed to have been from a decaying cold front in the northeastern Gulf of Mexico in July 2002.By July 9, a weak low-level circulation was first detected, in association with a broad low pressure area.Across the region, surface pressures were high, while upper level wind shear was marginally favorable for slow tropical development.