Much-needed rain in the forecast for the Gulf Coast states but will it dent the drought?

A slow-moving low pressure system will bring some welcome rain to the drought-stricken Gulf Coast states. Rain and cloud cover will also hold temperatures down, keeping conditions cool for much of the week ahead.

Persistent drought has been a significant issue for many Gulf Coast states this fall, with parts of far east Texas, Louisiana and Mississippi currently experiencing exceptional drought, the highest level of drought conditions. New Orleans in particular has been drier than usual, with a year-to-date rain deficit of 28.74 inches.

A low pressure will develop off the coast of southern Texas today and meander east over the Gulf through the remainder of the week. The WeatherRadar shows steady rain stretching from Texas to the Florida Panhandle today. This steady precipitation is very welcome in cities like Houston, New Orleans, Mobile, Ala., and Pensacola, Fla. The rain and cloud cover will also hold high temperatures in the 60s.

Rain showers continue for the northern Gulf Coast Tuesday, with precipitation spreading into the Florida Peninsula. It will be soggy in cities like Tampa and Orlando, Fla., for much of Tuesday and into Wednesday. Rain lingers across Florida and into South Georgia mid-week before the low moves out Thursday.

Flash flooding is possible, but the threat is low and mainly confined to more urban communities. Marginal risks of excessive rainfall are in place along parts of the Gulf Coast for the next few days. A marginal risk of excessive rainfall is a level one out of four. Stay alert and do not drive over a flooded road.

So how much rain will fall? From Texas to Florida, 2 to 4 inches of rain, with locally higher amounts up to 6 inches is expected. It's not enough rain to get rid of the drought in the driest locations, but any amount helps.