A tropical wave could form next week as it emerges off the west coast of Africa and moves over the Atlantic Ocean, according to the National Hurricane Center in Miami.

The disturbance was producing disorganized showers and thunderstorms over the eastern Atlantic, forecasters said on Tuesday. Weather conditions could support some gradual development over the next several days.

If it develops further, the system could strengthen to a tropical depression by midweek as it drifts west to north-west across the Atlantic. Forecasters said there is a 40% chance of it forming within the next week.

The system does not pose an immediate threat to Louisiana.

This year's Atlantic hurricane season, which began June 1 and runs through November 30, has been rather quiet. Since Tropical Storm Fernand

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