The National Weather Service says for the next few days we should be expecting prolonged and potentially dangerous heat conditions with heat index values of 103 to possibly as high as 115.
This dangerous heat starts today and continues through Sunday for Southwest Mississippi, coastal Mississippi, and all of southeast Louisiana.
They are confident hot temperatures and high humidity will occur each day and could quickly lead to heat illness if precautions aren’t taken. The only question that could keep the oppressive conditions in check is if thunderstorms can develop. If any thunderstorm development happens it will likely occur late in the afternoon allowing most of the area to heat up. If storms develop earlier and with greater coverage than anticipated, temperatures will not climb as high and the extreme heat index values anticipated will not occur.
There is a chance that Excessive Heat Warnings may be needed from some locations Thursday through Saturday – with heat index readings above 112 degrees possible. The locations with the greatest risk will be coastal Mississippi and areas around lakes Pontchartrain and Maurepas. The possibility of morning lows remaining in the upper 70s to possibly even lower 80s will provide little if any relief for the body to cool for those without access to air conditioning or cooling centers.
In addition, densely populated urban areas like downtown New Orleans and downtown Baton Rogue where there is mostly cement, combined with a lack of any real breeze will lead to very oppressive conditions.
Conditions such as heat exhaustion or heat stroke are common in this type of heat. Such conditions can be prevented by wearing light clothing, sunscreen, staying hydrated, avoiding hot and heavy meals, and other precautions. The National Weather Service also emphasized not placing at-risk people outside or in hot cars for an extended period of time. At-risk people include pets, infants, young children, overweight individuals, the elderly, and others.
NWS says to call 911 if you suspect yourself or someone else may be experiencing a heat illness.
