Weather Blog

Dave Nussbaum
dnussbaum@wbrz.com

Short Term:  It is another fantastic morning across the Capital City!!  We have clear skies, and it is still cool.  High pressure is sitting over us, and that continues to bring in the cooler weather.  Temperatures are in the lower 50s. 

That area of high pressure will be to the east of Louisiana this afternoon, and this will allow the southerly winds to return.  As this happens, more moisture will be headed our way.  This will be seen today as some high thin clouds, or cirrus clouds, will develop, making it mostly sunny.  Warmer air will also be coming up from the Gulf of Mexico, and our high temperature will climb into the lower 80s. 

The southerly winds will continue tonight, and this will keep it warmer.  We will have mostly clear skies with low temperatures in the lower 60s. 

Rest of the Week:  As the southerly winds persist through Friday, we will remain warm and humid tomorrow.  Temperatures will be in the mid 80s. 

On Friday, a cold front will be making its way toward Louisiana.  Scattered showers and thunderstorms will form along and ahead of the cold front.  Some of these storms could become strong to possibly severe.  The Storm Prediction Center has north Louisiana and Mississippi in a Slight Risk, but Baton Rouge is not included.  The main threats would be damaging winds and hail.  Before the storms come it will be pretty warm and muggy with temperatures in the mid 80s. 

The cold front will move through around midday on Saturday.  This will put an end to the rain, and we will gradually become partly cloudy.  It will remain warm behind the cold front as our high temperatures will still be in the 80s.  High pressure will build in by Saturday night, and Sunday.  You can expect a nice day on Sunday with partly cloudy skies and highs in the lower 80s. 

Mississippi River Levels:  The Mississippi River is still CRESTING, or has Crested in all locations.  However, it will take a number of days for the river levels to fall.  You can still expect flooding to occur for some time.  Here are the latest stages as of this morning:

Baton Rouge:  42.7 feet.  A River Flood Warning has been issued for this location.  Flood Stage is at 35 feet, however, we are protected by the levees that go to around 45 feet.  Click here for the latest on the Flood Warnings.

Red River Landing:  60.3 feet.  Flood Stage is at 48 feet, and a River Flood Warning is in effect here as well.  

Donaldsonville:  31.3 feet.  Flood stage is 27.0 feet.  A River Flood Warning is in effect for here as well.   

The Following links can be used to get the latest River Levels across SE Louisiana:

• National Weather Service River Summary
• USGS River Levels

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