After a sun-filled and warm Monday, clouds and rain coverage increase on Tuesday as tropical moisture returns to the region. The weather deteriorates thereafter as what soon could be Hurricane Francine approaches the Louisiana coast. Francine will heavily influence the local forecast by midweek.

Scroll farther down the page to find the short-term forecast.

Tropical Storm Francine: Tropical Storm Francine formed in the Gulf of Mexico on Monday. As of 1 p.m. Monday, the system had peak winds at 60 mph. Francine is in the organizing stage at this point. This means that intensification will be gradual at first. However, quicker intensification will likely occur as the storm consolidates and enters a more favorable environment. The latest forecast strengthens Francine to a Category 1 hurricane by Wednesday with peak winds at 85 mph. Indications point toward a Louisiana landfall sometime on Wednesday afternoon or evening. Francine will quickly weaken thereafter and pull away from the region on Thursday.

Pay close attention to the forecast leading up to landfall, review your hurricane preparedness plan, and refresh supplies if needed. Hurricane preparations need to be completed by Tuesday night.

Understand that adjustments may be needed in the coming days as new data arrives. Keep up to date with the latest forecast. The Storm Station has you covered on-air, online, and on social media. Download the free, WBRZ weather app HERE to find out first when new tropical updates become available.

A ***HURRICANE WATCH*** is in effect through Thursday morning along the coast, but includes St. Mary, Assumption, and Iberville Parish. Prepare for sustained winds in the ballpark of 55-75 mph with gusts up to 90 mph for our covered parishes in this region. Changes in strength are possible as new data arrives.

A ***TROPICAL STORM WATCH*** is in effect through Thursday morning for East Baton Rouge, West Baton Rouge, Livingston, Ascension, St. James, and southern Tangipahoa Parishes. Prepare for tropical storm-force winds between 39 and 73 mph. Hurricane-force wind gusts will be possible at times, especially closer to Baton Rouge with the latest trajectory. Changes in strength are possible as new data arrives.

Impacts will begin across southern Louisiana as early as Wednesday, lasting through Wednesday night and into early Thursday.

Heavy Rain/Flooding: 4-8" of rain is possible in Metro Baton Rouge, with higher amounts perhaps in the ballpark of 10"+ closer to where the center of the system tracks. Typical trouble spots may hold water, and southeast-facing shores will face minor to moderate coastal flooding.

A ***FLOOD WATCH*** has been issued for the entirety of south Louisiana. Excessive runoff may result in flooding of rivers, creeks, streams, and other low-lying and flood-prone locations. A Flood Watch means conditions may develop that lead to flash flooding. Flash flooding is a very dangerous situation. Be on the lookout for threatening weather conditions and listen for later statements and possible warnings. For more on flooding safety, CLICK HERE.

Tornadoes: The latest trajectory places the capital area on the right, forward side of the storm. It is this part where tornadoes are often found. Tropical tornadoes tend to develop quickly and be short-lived. Have a way to receive alerts and be alert to Tornado Warnings beginning Wednesday. For more on tornado safety, CLICK HERE.

Wind: Guidance has trended toward a slightly stronger storm upon landfall, possibly doing so as a low-end hurricane. The wind forecast will ultimately hinge on one’s proximity to the system. Those who end up near the center of circulation could experience hurricane-force winds, especially for those closer to the coast. Farther inland and away from the center, tropical storm-force winds are possible. At the very least, it will get breezy. Winds will ramp up on Wednesday, peak Wednesday night, before subsiding on Thursday.

Storm Surge: Winds associated with Francine will push water toward the immediate coastline. Anywhere from 5 to 10 feet of storm surge is possible along the coast. 2 to 4 feet of surge is possible along the Northshore. This is primarily an issue for non-levee protected areas. Storm Surge Watches have been issued along the Northshore and the coast through Thursday. This may be upgraded to a Storm Surge Warning in the coming days.

This is a life-threatening situation for areas affected. Evacuation efforts and flood preparations should soon be brought to completion before conditions become unsafe. Be on the lookout for evacuation orders from officials and leave immediately if ordered.

The following is the short-term forecast prior to any potential tropical impacts by midweek.

Today: Monday features a mixture of clouds and sun. It will be warm with a high temperature near 90°, and humidity will creep back into the area. There may be enough storm energy to pop a spotty shower or two, but that will be the exception as opposed to the rule.

Tonight: Look for partly cloudy skies on Monday night. Low temperatures will end up warmer as compared to recent nights. Baton Rouge should see a low temperature near 75°.

Tuesday: Clouds will increase on Tuesday as moisture content improves. By Tuesday afternoon, scattered showers and thunderstorms will begin to arrive from the south. Highs will be slightly cooler as a result, likely sitting in the low to mid-80s. Rain coverage will increase late Tuesday and into Wednesday as Francine draws closer.

Other Tropical Waves In the Atlantic Basin:

A broad area of low pressure over the central tropical Atlantic continues to produce disorganized showers and thunderstorms. Conditions appear marginally favorable for additional development in the coming days. A tropical depression is could form in the next few days while the system meanders over the central tropical Atlantic. At this time, this disturbance does not appear to pose any problems to Louisiana.

Meanwhile a trough of low pressure located several hundred miles southwest of the Cabo Verde Islands will merge with a strong tropical wave near the west coast of Africa. A tropical depression will likely form during the middle to late parts of the week while the system moves west-northwestward at 10 to 15 mph. At this time, the system does not appear to pose any issues to Louisiana.

The Storm Station is here for you, tracking the tropics on every platform. Your weather updates can be found on News 2, wbrz.com, and the WBRZ WX App on your Apple or Android device. Follow WBRZ Weather on Facebook and Twitter for even more weather updates while you are on the go. You can also find tropical updates on our Hurricane Center HERE.