Thursday brought the third straight record maximum low temperature. As of Friday Morning, the temperature had not dipped below 79 degrees likely marking a fourth consecutive record—unless an afternoon shower can send thermometers below 79 degrees.

THE FORECAST:

Today and Tonight: Your Friday will be partly sunny and steamy with high temperatures in the mid 90s and dew points in the mid 70s. These conditions will make the body sense temperatures in the low 100s—especially in areas that do not receive any cooling showers. To that point, only 20 to 30 percent of the 13 Parish and 3 County forecast area will pick up a quick shower or storm this afternoon. Drink more water than you usually would and try to minimize time in direct sun. Check the backseat of your car for kiddos and keep an eye on the elderly—especially those without access to air conditioning. If work requires you to be outside, take frequent breaks. The overnight stickiness will continue as well with lows struggling to leave the 80s.   

Up Next: Some changes are in store for this weekend. Saturday will be hot and humid with a high temperature in the mid 90s. A few more locations are likely to receive afternoon showers and thunderstorms. Into Sunday, temperatures will remain muggy with lows in the upper 70s. Earlier development and more widespread shower and thunderstorm coverage is expected on Sunday meaning that highs will stop in the low 90s and afternoon feels-like temperatures will be a bit more limited. Similar weather is anticipated into early next week.   

THE SCIENCE:

Forecast Discussion:  A nearby upper ridge and surface high pressure in the Northeastern Gulf of Mexico will continue to keep fairly low rain coverage (20-30%) and resulting high heat. Afternoon temperatures will peak in the mid 90s and very high dew points will keep lows around 80 degrees. The oppressive humidity will also mean high heat indices—especially through Saturday as rain coverage stays in the isolated category. By Sunday, a little troughiness in between two 594dm ridges may provide the additional instability needed for increased shower and thunderstorm activity. Forecast models agree on this feature persisting into early next week. For that reason, the area can expect rain coverage on the order of 30-40 percent and likely lower high temperatures as well, closer to normal, in the low 90s. Because dew points will stay in the mid to upper 70s, overnight lows will not stray far from the upper 70s though and heat indices will exceed 100 degrees in locations that don’t receive rain.       

 --Josh

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