Labor Day Heat, Afternoon Storms Put South Louisiana on Alert
A Heat Advisory is in effect through 7 p.m. Monday as temperatures climb into the mid-90s and scattered storms threaten outdoor holiday plans across the Baton Rouge area.
BATON ROUGE, La. — Labor Day outdoor plans come with a double threat across South Louisiana: dangerous heat during the afternoon and scattered thunderstorms that could bring damaging wind gusts, lightning and localized flooding.
The National Weather Service has issued a Heat Advisory for much of the Capital Region from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday. Baton Rouge is expected to reach about 95 degrees, with heat index values as high as 109 degrees.
The advisory is not simply a warning about high temperatures. Humidity will make conditions feel considerably hotter, increasing the risk of heat-related illness for people spending time outdoors. Forecasters recommend drinking plenty of water, taking frequent breaks in shade or air conditioning, and limiting strenuous activity during the hottest part of the day.
Storms could disrupt the holiday
Scattered showers and thunderstorms are expected to develop during the afternoon, with the greatest chances after 1 p.m. in Baton Rouge. Rainfall coverage should remain scattered rather than widespread, but a few storms could become strong to severe.
The primary concerns are strong wind gusts, frequent lightning and heavy rainfall. Isolated damaging wind gusts of 60 mph or greater and small hail are possible across southeast Louisiana and southern Mississippi. Downpours that linger over the same location could also produce localized flash flooding.
The forecast calls for a 40% chance of thunderstorms tonight before 10 p.m., followed by partly cloudy skies and a low near 77 degrees.
Heat lingers before a wetter pattern develops
The heat is expected to continue Tuesday and Wednesday, with afternoon temperatures in the lower to middle 90s and heat index values remaining near advisory levels. A weak front is expected to stall northeast of the region, helping maintain moisture and daily afternoon storm chances.
A more noticeable pattern change is expected later in the week. As the upper-level ridge weakens and shifts farther away, rain and storm coverage are forecast to increase from Thursday into the weekend. More clouds and rain should also keep temperatures from becoming quite as hot.
No tropical development expected
The National Hurricane Center does not expect tropical cyclone formation in the Gulf of Mexico, Caribbean Sea, or Atlantic during the next seven days.
