U.S. President Donald Trump's administration will delay by two years a final rule designating protections for the endangered Rice's whale in the oil and gas drilling region of the Gulf of Mexico, according to an agreement with environmental groups filed in a federal court.

Forecasters are warning of early signs of a potential tropical cyclone developing along the northeastern Gulf of Mexico. A low-pressure system that could bring storms to Florida before moving west has a medium chance of developing into a tropical cyclone over the next several days, according to the National Hurricane Center (NHC).

A flood watch will go into effect for much of south Louisiana this week as a slow-moving low-pressure system heads toward the Gulf of Mexico, bringing with it the potential for downpours and flash flooding along the Gulf Coast.

U.S. shale producer Occidental Petroleum said on Monday its Gulf of Mexico production in the second quarter was curtailed due to third-party constraints, extended maintenance, and schedule-related delays.

The formation chance through 48 hours is medium at 40%, with the same probability maintained through seven days.

Meanwhile, the latest outlook from Colorado State University still points to an above-average hurricane season, but with a slightly less aggressive forecast than earlier projections. The updated forecast has reduced the expected numbers of named storms, hurricanes, and major hurricanes by one in each category.

A disorganized low-pressure area off Florida is showing increasing chances of becoming a tropical depression or tropical storm this week.

A tropical disturbance could form this week in the Gulf of Mexico and plentiful moisture will mean continued downpours for the Houston area.

A disturbance hurricane forecasters were tracking Saturday in the Gulf of Mexico could bring heavy rains to the region next week, according to the National Hurricane Center.