Cuba is bracing for a direct hit from Hurricane Rafael.
"The storm will emerge in the Gulf of Mexico Wednesday evening where it will begin to restrengthen," WWL TV Meteorologist Payton Malone forecasts. "We expect Rafael to remain a hurricane Thursday and Friday before wind shear and dry air weaken the storm."
He says the intensity will decrease dramatically as wind shear blasts the storm.
"With rapid weakening there might not be much left of the storm to bring impacts to the northern Gulf Coast."
Malone forecast what's left of Rafael will have little to no impact on the Gulf Coast.
"At most it looks like extra rain is possible later Sunday."
Detailed Forecast...
TODAY:
Partly cloudy. Mostly dry. Warm, humid. High: 86. Winds: E 5-10.
THURSDAY:
Partly cloudy. Warm, humid. Low: S 73, N 72. High: 85.
FRIDAY:
Partly cloudy. Warm, humid. Stray shower. Low: S 73, N 72. High: 84.
SATURDAY:
Partly cloudy. Warm, humid. Stray shower. Becoming breezy. Low: S 73, N 72. High: 83.
SUNDAY:
Mostly cloudy. 40% spotty showers. Breezy. Low: S 71, N 67. High: 82.
VETERANS DAY:
Mostly cloudy. 20% scattered showers. Breezy. Low: S 69, N 65. High: 80.
TUESDAY:
Sun to partly cloudy. Low: S 68, N 64. High: 84.
