The hatched areas on the National Hurricane Center's tropical outlook map indicate "areas where a tropical cyclone — which could be a tropical depression, tropical storm or hurricane — could develop," said National Hurricane Center Deputy Director Jamie Rhome.

The Gulf is getting attention once again for the potential of tropical development later this week. Heavy showers and storms expected, regardless.

A tropical storm may form this week, bringing risks of flash flooding and strong thunderstorms from Florida to Louisiana.

This disturbance is expected to move westward across the northern Gulf coast towards Louisiana by the end of the week.