DALLAS – Tropical Storm Francine is rapidly approaching the US and is expected to strengthen to a Category 2 hurricane on Wednesday. But will North Texas be affected?

Forecasters predict that Francine will remain close to the Louisiana-Mississippi coast, but rainfall is expected in South Texas. North Texas is unlikely to be affected.

Heavy rain and wind along the Texas coast will lead to more cloud and humidity in the Dallas-Fort Worth area, with a slight chance of scattered showers over the next few days. The most light showers are expected to be seen in the southeastern and eastern parts of Dallas.

Francine is expected to weaken on Thursday, bringing humidity levels back down and heat to North Texas. September heat returns this weekend, with temperatures climbing back into the low 90s.

There is a risk of flooding from the Houston area to the mouth of the Mississippi River south of New Orleans.

Emergency operations centers in South Texas are preparing for the Francine disaster and have crews on standby to restore power and clean up debris.

Meteorologists in the Houston area are predicting a water level rise of 2 to 3 feet (0.61 to 0.91 m), which could lead to coastal flooding.