Gulf Coast Swelters As Fourth Of July Fireworks Approach
(KMDL-FM) The National Hurricane Center is currently monitoring an area of disturbed weather off the east coast of the United States. Residents along the Gulf Coast are bracing for another kind of summer weather feature, intense heat. Both the potential tropical trouble and triple-digit heat indices are sure signs that summer is here.
As of this report, neither of those weather issues is expected to pose an increased threat to life and property. In the case of the area of disturbed weather that is now on the National Hurricane Center's radar, development, if any, would be slow.
But weather conditions associated with the area of low pressure could make for a less-than-pleasant time at the beach for those heading out for the Fourth of July.
What Are The Chances for Tropical Development in the Gulf This Week?
This potential tropical trouble spot is not expected to be a weathermaker for the Gulf Coast. The weather concerns, at least for the early part of this week, are afternoon temperatures in the 90s and heat indices in the triple digits. As of this report, there are no heat advisories in effect for the I-10 corridor.
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It takes a heat index forecast of 105 to 110 degrees for at least two consecutive days, with nighttime temperatures remaining above 75 degrees, to create a scenario in which the National Weather Service would issue a heat advisory for Southern Louisiana.
But just because there isn't an advisory doesn't mean you shouldn't be mindful that it is very hot and take the proper precautions to protect yourself and be ready to help your neighbors. The National Weather Service Forecast Office in Lake Charles prepared this graphic, which sums up nicely how hot and when for this week.
Forecasters say that as we cross over into July, things will be changing across the Gulf South. The high-pressure system that is currently keeping the temperatures hot will slowly break down and allow more Gulf moisture to move over the region.
The combination of heat and humidity should enhance the threat for showers and storms beginning Wednesday. Based on forecast data from the Lake Charles Office of the National Weather Service, it appears as though Acadiana will see a better threat of rain than the Lake Charles area or the Baton Rouge/New Orleans area will.
Significant Rain Chances Moving Back into Acadiana
In the graphic from NWS/LCH, you can see the current guidance suggests Lafayette and Crowley will have an increased threat of rain on Wednesday and Thursday, with a larger threat of rain for the entire region returning on Sunday.
The outlook for fireworks on the Fourth of July looks to be pretty positive. It will be hot during the day and muggy at night. There will be a threat of a late afternoon or early evening shower or thunderstorm.
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But, other than maybe a delay for a few minutes or an hour for a passing shower or thunderstorm, most celebrations of America's Birthday should go off as planned.
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Gallery Credit: Shannon Buccola