Forecasters at the National Hurricane Center are increasing the chances for development of a system set to move across the tropical Atlantic.
"A tropical wave located over the eastern tropical Atlantic is producing widespread disorganized showers and thunderstorms. Any development of the wave should be slow to occur during the next few days while it moves westward across the central tropical Atlantic," wrote NHC meteorologist David Zelinsky Thursday afternoon.
He continued, "Conditions are expected to become more conducive for development early next week, and a tropical depression could form while it approaches the Lesser Antilles. The system is then forecast to move generally west-northwestward and could approach the Greater Antilles by the middle part of next week."
There is no immediate concern for Louisiana or the northern Gulf Coast, but residents are urged to review their plans as the peak of what's forecast to be a very active hurricane season draws closer.