The National Hurricane Center expects formation of a tropical depression or tropical storm in the Gulf of Mexico soon.
"A broad area of low pressure over the northwestern Caribbean Sea is producing disorganized showers and thunderstorms. Environmental
conditions appear conducive for gradual development of this system during the next several days," the NHC advised.
Federal forecasters says a tropical depression is likely to form late this weekend or early next week.
The Hurricane Center says whatever it becomes, it is likely to stay in the eastern Gulf of Mexico.
"Florida should monitor the progress of this system."
Formation chance is high at 70 percent.
WWL TV Meteorologist Payton Malone says conditions are improving for development.
"With warm water temps and what appears to be a lack of wind shear early next week, development is more likely. However, there will also be abundant dry air."
He says a cold front coming to Louisiana Monday and Tuesday should steer the system away from Louisiana.
"However, it's always a good idea to stay tuned and check back through the weekend to make sure there aren't any changes in the forecast."
Malone says if the forecast for a Florida landfall holds, it could pull the cold front further south and bring less humid air to New Orleans next week.
