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The heat is on for Memorial Day Weekend

4 years 9 months 3 weeks ago Friday, May 24 2019 May 24, 2019 May 24, 2019 5:51 AM May 24, 2019 in Weather
Source: WBRZ Weather

Our first spell of well above average temperatures is afoot. A sweaty, but mainly dry Memorial Day Weekend is expected.

THE FORECAST:

Today and Tonight: As the breeze continues to fall off, high temperatures will nudge higher into the low 90s on Friday afternoon. Mainly clear skies will remain. Nighttime readings will actually drop a touch in the absence of that mixing breeze and lows will go into the low 70s.   

Up Next: A strong mid and upper level ridge of high pressure will hold firm across the Southeast U.S. through Memorial Day Weekend. This will result in an essentially rain-free period with steadily increasing high temperatures. Sunday and Monday will likely top out around 95 degrees. For now, humidity will be “in-check” and not to summer levels but you will notice a little. From the Jambalaya Festival, Bayou Country Superfest, to beach trips along the central Gulf Coast, quiet weather and hot temperatures will persist.  There is no sure sign of a breakdown in this pattern for increased rain chances within the 7-Day Forecast.

Sun and Heat Safety: Some friendly reminders for your summer of fun events—sunburn can occur in less than 15 minutes with the extreme U.V. Index typical of this time of year. In addition to that, heat exhaustion and heat stroke can set in just as quickly. Seek medical attention if you or somebody you know is affected. While we all enjoy a list of cool beverages, be sure water is at least a part of that list! Finally, look before you lock. DO NOT leave people or pets in an unattended car.

The Mississippi River: At Baton Rouge, major flood stage continues with a level of 44.0’ as of Friday morning. Peaking at 44.1’ on March 19, the river set its 7th highest recorded crest at Baton Rouge. At 139 days, this year marks the longest period above flood stage at Baton Rouge. With another round of heavy rain occurring in the Midwest, runoff will now result in a second, higher crest in early June. The current forecast is for the level to reach 44.5’, which would be one of the top five highest crests on record. The Morganza Spillway is likely to be opened to mitigate flood risk downstream into the Baton Rouge area. This will increase water levels over unprotected areas over the Atchafalaya Basin. On the Mississippi River, the high water will remain an issue for river traffic and river islands, although some inundation will continue for unprotected low-lying areas. The city of Baton Rouge and the main LSU campus are protected by levees up to 47 feet. Some soggy areas and seepage may be noted due to the long duration of high water placing pressure on the levees. As some of the Mississippi River diverts into the Atchafalaya River, gauges at Krotz Springs and Morgan City will stay high as well. This creates backwater flooding in parts of Assumption Parish in areas such as Bayou Chene, Stephensville and around Lake Palourde.

THE EXPLANATION:

A broad area of high pressure from the surface into the upper levels of the atmosphere will build over the region through Memorial Day. Winds will slacken as this occurs, temperatures will rise and rain chances will lessen. This looks like the first spell of above average warmth for the season, but heat index, or feels-like, temperatures will be tolerable with dew points staying near 70 degrees. Readings should quite reach that 105-110 degrees danger zone. However, since it is the first warm stretch of the season, remembering and practicing heat safety as our bodies adjust will be important. The ridge will start to back off by Tuesday or Wednesday and this should uncap the atmosphere enough for temperatures to retreat for average and a few afternoon showers and thunderstorms to come into the mix. 

--Josh

The WBRZ Weather Team is here for you, on every platform. Your weather updates can be found on News 2, wbrz.com, and the WBRZ WX App. on Apple and Android devices. Follow WBRZ Weather on Facebook and Twitter for even more weather updates while you are on the go.

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