07/29 – Brantly’s “Dangerously Hot Days Ahead” Thursday Evening Forecast

 Summertime pattern continues over the next few days. An isolated shower will be possible this evening. And isolated to scattered showers will be possible Friday and Saturday during the daytime afternoon and evening hours. These showers could have gusty winds and frequent lightning along with locally heavy rainfall.

The main concern over the next few days will be the heat risk. Heat Index temperatures are forecast to exceed 112 degrees in most locations both tomorrow and Saturday and an excessive heat warning and excessive heat watch has been issued for Friday and Saturday respectively. Areas inside the heat advisory over the next few days (mainly areas including and NW of Baton Rouge) are forecast to see temperatures between 108 and 112 degrees. The time frame with the biggest risk of heat illness will be between 9AM and 7PM CDT Friday and Saturday. It will be critical to stay hydrated if you are spending any time outdoors at all!

It is also worth noting that over the next few days for portions of the area, particularly for New Orleans, overnight low temperatures are not expected to reach below 80 degrees. Studies have shown that if overnight low temperatures cannot get below 80 degrees, then it is significantly harder for your body to cool itself. As a result, over the next few days, heat stress/heat illness will be particularly concerning due to the cumulative/additive effects of these conditions. The isolated showers can provide some relief, but they will be sparse and isolated. Please be safe over the next few days, especially when spending time outdoors.