Severe Weather Threat In Louisiana Increases for Tuesday

Last week much of Louisiana's weather headlines were dominated by hurricane forecasts. NOAA released its 2024 season outlook and coastal residents of Louisiana from Lake Charles through Intracoastal City, New Iberia, Houma, and Venice all took notice of what promises to be a busy tropical season. 

Meanwhile, a little further inland residents of Opelousas, Mamou, Church Point, and other communities were still clearing downed limbs and trees from a series of storms that rumbled across the area last week heading into the long Memorial Day weekend.

This brings us to a "good news/bad news" scenario for Louisiana's weather this week. The "good news" is the National Hurricane Center is showing no signs of tropical development over the next seven days.

The Storm Prediction Center is a totally different story. The SPC is the forecast wing of the National Weather Service that focuses on severe storms. The past few days their focus has been on Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, and Kentucky. There were storms in those states that are believed to be responsible for at least 22 deaths. 

As you can see on the graphic from the Storm Prediction Center above, the focus for the worst of the weather will come across Central Texas today. But the slight risk and marginal risk of severe storms do push rather deeply into Louisiana.

Cities such as Shreveport, Ruston, Natchitoches, and Alexandria are at a slight risk of severe storms during the day today and into the nighttime hours as well. Communities such as Lafayette, Lake Charles, Opelousas, and Baton Rouge will be at a marginal risk for severe storms today.

Why Is It So Hazy Across Louisiana Today?

The haze is a result of wildfire activity that is burning in Central America. The smoke from the fires is being brought in by the southerly winds across the Gulf of Mexico. These same winds are bringing in an abundance of moisture which is why there is a threat of showers across the region today and tomorrow.

Rain chances across the I-10 corridor will remain small today and Wednesday. But just because there isn't a large probability of rain it doesn't mean we can't have strong storms. Rain chances are forecast to increase later this week with the best chance for rain to come on Thursday.

Heat advisories might also have to be posted for the area today and later this week as well. Afternoon temperatures are expected to be in the lower 90s again today. Heat indices could be as warm as 106 this afternoon in some locales.  It certainly would make a nice dip in the pool a refreshing treat.