Here is an update concerning the heat threat and severe weather threat today:
There is a marginal risk of severe weather this afternoon and early evening for all of southeast Louisiana.
WHAT: Prolonged and Potentially dangerous heat conditions with heat index values of up to 115 degrees. An Extreme Heat Warning is in effect today. Also a MARGINAL RISK (level 1 of 5) of severe weather with the main threat being damaging wind gusts.
WHEN: 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. for the Extreme Heat Warning, and approximately the same time frame for the severe weather threat.
WHERE: All of south Mississippi and southeast Louisiana.
CONFIDENCE:
- We are confident hot temperatures and high humidity will occur today and could quickly lead to heat illness if precautions aren’t taken.
- As temperatures reach the middle and upper 90s this afternoon, we expect scattered thunderstorms to develop, with some becoming strong to severe. Storms will provide relief from the heat in some areas.
IMPACTS:
- Heat index readings are forecast to climb above 108 degrees for multiple hours. Extreme heat with heat index readings as high as 115 degrees are possible.
- Morning lows remaining well above normal will provide little if any relief for the body to cool for those without access to air conditioning or cooling centers.
- The cumulative effects of extreme heat over consecutive days can make individuals increasingly more susceptible to heat-related illnesses.
- Scattered thunderstorms may produce damaging wind gusts in excess of 60 mph. Winds of this magnitude are capable of causing damage to trees and power lines, leading to isolated or scattered power outages.