Tropical Storm Francine Likely to Become Hurricane off Texas Coast
A storm brews in the Gulf: Tropical Storm Francine has officially formed in the western Gulf of Mexico, making it the 6th named storm of the 2024 Atlantic hurricane season. As of Monday morning, Francine boasts sustained winds of 60 mph and is currently located approximately 200 miles southeast of Brownsville, moving north-northwest at 5 mph.
Current Status and Path
As of 10 a.m. Monday, Francine has developed a well-defined center of circulation, granting it tropical storm status. Forecasters predict that the storm will continue to strengthen due to the warm waters in the Gulf of Mexico, with expectations to reach Category 1 hurricane status by Tuesday night.
The predicted path indicates Francine will move toward the mouth of the Rio Grande by late Tuesday, then likely curve northeastward, staying offshore along the Texas coastline. This trajectory points toward Louisiana, where the storm is projected to make landfall as a hurricane by Wednesday evening.
Precautions Along the Texas Coast
Although a direct landfall in Texas seems less likely, coastal regions should remain vigilant. Residents could anticipate heavy rain, high surf, and strong winds regardless of landfall. The National Hurricane Center advises that areas from Galveston to Beaumont and further east into Louisiana might see rainfall totals hover between 2-6 inches.
While models show Houston receiving lower rainfall totals due to the storm’s expected path, a possible westward shift could spell flooding for the city. In San Antonio, the chance of rain remains low with only a 20% likelihood of showers and storms, with anticipated totals less than a quarter-inch.
Looking Ahead: This Week’s Weather
The week unfolds with a beautiful Monday across South Texas. Morning temperatures are chilly, settling into the low and mid-60s in the San Antonio metro area. By noon, the city can expect highs to reach around 88-89 degrees.
As the week progresses, humidity levels are expected to rise as Gulf moisture creeps back into the area on Tuesday. Rain chances for San Antonio stand at a modest 10 to 20%. Temperatures will inch up towards the 90-degree mark, especially with the increase in cloud cover.
Rain and Its Impact
Wednesday brings a greater chance for isolated showers and storms in the area, particularly south and east of the Alamo City. Should the storm track allow, some southeastern locales might experience more significant rainfall.
As the tropical system moves eastwards, rain chances will wane, while temperatures may rebound into the low to mid-90s as high pressure returns by the end of the week and into the weekend.
