Severe Weather Threat Could Break Louisiana Heatwave

Early this morning the water temperature readings at Intracoastal City, Louisiana suggested a temperature of 85 degrees. That's two degrees warmer than the air temperature at the same location. Oh, did we mention these readings were taken at 2:39 in the morning?

It's not supposed to be this hot at that time of the day.

Usually when Mother Nature finds herself this out of balance something cataclysmic happens. And that "something" could be in the form of heavy thunderstorms or severe weather but not all of the state will be at risk for damaging storms and much-needed rainfall.

For today the Storm Prediction Center has a marginal risk of severe storms in the forecast for the I-20 corridor. There is a risk of strong storms as far south as Central Louisiana but for the US 190 and I-10 corridors, it looks like another dry and very hot day.

The outlook for Tuesday does decrease the severe threat in Louisiana and does suggest more widespread thunderstorm activity across the state. It is possible that portions of Acadiana could see showers and storms on Tuesday afternoon but the rain chances are not great.

As you can see from the National Weather Service graphic above there are heat advisories and excessive heat warnings posted from Jacksonville, Florida to El Paso Texas. Basically, the area along and south of I-20 across the Gulf South into Texas is under the gun for excessive heat.

When Will the Heatwave Break in Louisiana?

The bad news is it won't likely be this week. Forecast highs for cities such as Lafayette, Lake Charles, and Baton Rouge will be in the triple digits for each afternoon through next Sunday. However, the long-range forecast for next week does show a five to seven-degree drop in afternoon highs and an increased threat of rain.

Meanwhile, it is another day of dangerous weather for much of South Louisiana. Afternoon heat indices could be in excess of 115 to 117 degrees later today. Tomorrow's forecast is for similar temperatures and heat indices across the region as well.