Click HERE and HERE for the update concerning the heat threat today and through the weekend.
Changes from the previous update:
- Heat advisory extended through the night due to very warm morning lows
- Excessive Heat Warning issued
Overview:
WHAT: Prolonged and potentially dangerous heat conditions will continue overnight tonight and through Friday
Morning lows will struggle to drop below the lower 70s for some areas and locations near the tidal lakes will struggle to drop below the lower 80s.
Heat index values could approach as highs as 116 degrees in the warning areas and 112 degrees expected in the advisory areas. Heat index readings of 103 to 112 will continue to be possible through the weekend.
WHEN: Heat Advisory will continue through the entire night; then an Excessive heat Warning and Heat Advisory Friday from 10 AM thru 7 PM. Additional advisories are likely through this weekend.
WHERE: Excessive Heat Warning – coastal MS, areas surrounding lakes Pontchartrain and Maurepas, and the urban area around Baton Rouge and New Orleans.
Heat Advisory – all locations outside of the warning.
CONFIDENCE:
- We are confident hot temperatures and high humidity will occur each day and could quickly lead to heat illness if precautions aren’t taken.
- Isolated afternoon/evening pop-up showers and storms will be possible today through the weekend, which could bring brief or temporary relief at times but the best chance for rain appears Sunday.
Forecast conditions will continue to be monitored if an Excessive Heat Warning is required for some areas through Sunday.
Impacts:
- People planning to be outdoors, especially for an extended period of time, are encouraged to drink plenty of fluids and take breaks in an air-conditioned room. Also, check up on relatives and neighbors and provide adequate shade and water for pets.
- For weekend outdoor plans/events, potentially dangerous heat is expected to continue through Sunday with the potential for more advisories and/or an Excessive Heat Warning if required.
- The possibility of morning lows remaining in the upper 70s and lower 80s will provide little if any relief for the body to cool for those without access to air conditioning or cooling centers.
- In addition, densely populated urban areas like downtown New Orleans and downtown Baton Rouge where there is mostly cement, combined with a lack of any real breeze will lead to very oppressive conditions.
