Warm Water Along Gulf Coast Could Favor Tropical Development

(Lafayette, Louisiana) - Hurricane season is here, and while the tropics haven't been active yet, things are warming up.

Like you, we too hope that the season isn't active, but as water temperatures begin to warm up, the conditions become much more favorable as we move through the summer and early fall months.

According to Meteorologist Zack Fradella, water temperatures along the Gulf Coast are warming up. With moisture and storms over the warm waters in the days ahead, conditions could become favorable for tropical development.

Again, no one is saying that a storm will form, but the conditions are becoming more favorable as moisture begins to "pool" in the northern portions of the Gulf.

The extended forecast for the area does call for unsettled weather in the days ahead, and we may even see some "tropical showers" that could produce heavy rainfall by the end of the weekend.

When Does Hurricane Season End?

Hurricane season starts on June 1 and lasts through November.

Remember, it's essential to have a plan in place in the event of a storm approaching your area, and know where you would evacuate to if necessary.

We will be monitoring the weather and the threat of storms in the days ahead. If there's important information that you need to be aware of, we will share it here and on this station's mobile app.

Here's what meteorologists will be monitoring in the days ahead as moisture begins to build along the Gulf Coast. This is also a good heads-up for those traveling to the beaches for July 4th; you may want to bring your rain gear.

Here's a look at the extended forecast for the Acadiana region. As you can see, the atmosphere remains active, and we'll be watching for any changes..