SUMMARY: Tropical Storm Raphael has formed in the Gulf of Mexico, with winds at 45 mph. Conditions in the Gulf in November are less favorable for intensification compared to peak hurricane season, leading to expectations of weakening as the storm progresses. It is currently improving organization as it moves towards Western Cuba, where it may strengthen briefly. The future track of the storm remains uncertain, with models suggesting differing paths towards the Gulf Coast. However, strong wind shear and dry air conditions are anticipated to hinder further intensification, possibly resulting in rapid weakening before landfall.

WWL Louisiana Chief Meteorologist Chris Franklin is tracking the tropics with the latest on Tropical Storm Rafael for News at 5PM on Monday, Nov. 4, 2024.

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SUMMARY: A tropical depression is currently forming in the Caribbean and may strengthen into a tropical storm, Raphael, as it approaches Cuba and later the Gulf of Mexico. While conditions will be less favorable in the Gulf, the storm is expected to weaken significantly by the end of the week due to drier air, cooler temperatures, and increased wind shear. Rainfall in the New Orleans area could total around one to two inches, bringing much-needed precipitation after a dry spell. Residents are advised to stay updated, as forecasts may change. Overall, there is no immediate concern.

The forecast this week includes a lot to talk about, with daily chances for rain and a developing hurricane heading into the southern Gulf of Mexico.

First, we start our week off warm and humid, with a few showers around each day. If you’re heading to vote on Tuesday, make sure you have an umbrella just in case you run into a shower.

For the rest of the week, we’ll be watching The Tropics. A developing storm is moving through the Caribbean Monday morning. The system, likely to get the name Rafael, will move toward Cuba by Wednesday as a hurricane. The storm will enter the Gulf of Mexico around Wednesday, likely as a hurricane. Luckily it’s November, so we do think the storm will begin to weaken as it moves north in the Gulf. This is thanks to dry air, stronger wind shear, and cooler ocean temperatures.

The current track does bring the storm near Louisiana and Mississippi Friday into Saturday, but there remains a lot of uncertainty on how strong the storm will be once it nears the northern Gulf. If it weakens fast enough, there might not be much left of it that can have an impact. Based on the current forecast, our concern level remains very low, although we could see some rain and stronger winds. Follow the forecast closely through the week to see if there are any big changes.

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SUMMARY: The Heritage Foundation ranks Louisiana ninth for election integrity, prompting scrutiny from state officials. Governor Jeff Landry’s August executive order mandates the Office of Motor Vehicles provide a list of non-permanent residents with state identification, emphasizing only U.S. citizens can vote. The narrow margin in the Caddo Parish sheriff election raised concerns about absentee ballots and voter eligibility. New laws tightening absentee voting procedures, criticized for disenfranchising disabled voters, were passed in August 2024. Deputy Secretary of State Joel Watson assured a smooth election day, emphasizing secure voting machines and thorough testing procedures, while other states face election-related legal challenges.

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