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.

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