Map: Track tropical storm Francine’s path, forecast, and hurricane status

Tropical Storm Francine is expected to strengthen to a hurricane by midweek when it reaches the U.S. Gulf Coast.

The storm started as a disturbance in the Gulf of Mexico and strengthened into a tropical storm Monday.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration had predicted above-normal hurricane activity in the Atlantic basin this year, forecasting a range of 17 to 25 total named storms — which is defined by having winds of 39 mph or higher, with eight to 13 forecast to become hurricanes. The above-normal activity was forecast because of near-record warm ocean temperatures in the Atlantic, La Niña conditions in the Pacific, reduced Atlantic trade winds and less wind shear.

Tropical Storm Francine in the Gulf of Mexico on Monday.NOAA