Weather Blog

Dave Nussbaum
dnussbaum@wbrz.com

Short Term:  We are starting this morning off with mostly cloudy skies, and warmer temperatures.  Southerly winds are in place now, and that is bringing in some clouds from the Gulf of Mexico.  Those winds are also transporting in warmer air, and this is allowing the temperatures to be in the mid 60s. 

We will continue to see the southerly winds this afternoon.  It is expected to be breezy today with winds around 10 to 20 mph.  This will lead to plenty of moisture coming back to the area after a few days of low humidity.  You will notice it becoming more humid, and warmer too.  With a mix of clouds and sun we will have high temperatures in the mid 80s. 

Tonight the clouds will stick around, and it will remain breezy.  A few showers are possible after midnight.  Low temperatures will be in the upper 60s. 

Weekend Forecast:  On Friday, a cold front will be strengthening over the Great Plains, and it is headed our way.  Ahead of the front scattered showers and thunderstorms are expected around Baton Rouge.  We can expect a few showers in the morning, but the bulk of the storms will get here Friday night.  Some of the storms could be strong to severe.  The Storm Prediction Center has a Slight Risk just to the north of Baton Rouge.  Click in the image to the right to see what they think.  It will be another warm and breezy day with highs in the mid 80s. 

The showers and thunderstorms will continue on Saturday as the cold front moves through the area.  It should move off the coast by Saturday night, and this will put an end to the rain.  Afternoon highs will be in the lower 80s, but it will become cool Saturday night with lows in the mid 50s. 

High pressure will build in across the Southeast U.S. on Sunday.  This will make for a nice day with partly cloudy skies.  The humidity levels will be much lower, but the afternoon temperatures will remain in the 80s. 

Next Week Outlook:  Pleasant weather will persist into the first part of next week.  Monday through Wednesday will be partly cloudy with highs in the 80s and lows around 60. 

Mississippi River Levels:  The Mississippi River has Crested in all locations and the river is SLOWLY falling.  You can still expect flooding to occur for some time.  River Flood Warnings remain in effect until the river goes below flood stage.  Click here for the latest on the Flood Warnings.  Here are the latest stages as of this morning:

Baton Rouge:  42.3 feet.  Flood Stage is at 35 feet, however, we are protected by the levees that go to around 45 feet. 

Red River Landing:  59.7 feet.  Flood Stage is at 48 feet.  

Donaldsonville:  31.2 feet.  Flood stage is 27.0 feet.   

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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