Weather Blog

Dave Nussbaum
dnussbaum@wbrz.com

. . .Some Strong Thunderstorms Possible Today. . .

Short Term:  We are under mostly cloudy skies on this Friday Morning.  Scattered showers and thunderstorms are expected to develop as the morning progresses, and some of these storms could be strong to severe.  The main threats would be damaging winds and hail.  However, a tornado is not out of the question, but not highly anticipated.  It is much warmer with temperatures in the lower 70s. 

The showers and thunderstorms will be scattered around the viewing area throughout the afternoon ahead of a strong cold front moving out of the Great Plains toward the Southeast U.S.  Some of the storms could also be strong with gusty winds and hail.  The Storm Prediction Center has us in a Slight Risk for severe weather today.  Click on the image to the right for more details.  It is possible that we could have some peaks of sunshine too.  That will only aid in making the atmosphere more unstable from the heating of the day.  Rain could also become heavy at times.  We are not expecting an all day rain event, but about 50-60% of the area will be covered by rain and storms.  Temperatures this afternoon will still be very warm with highs in the mid 80s. 

As that cold front gets closer to us we can expect to continue to have scattered showers and thunderstorms.  Heavy rain is very likely tonight with some of the storms.  It will remain warm and muggy with lows in the upper 60s. 

Weekend Forecast:  The storms will continue on Saturday morning as the cold front moves through.  We are expecting a squall line to move across the state, and again, some of the storms along the line could be strong.  By the afternoon, the cold front will be southeast of Baton Rouge, and that will put an end to the rain.  Clouds will begin to decrease, and eventually we will have partly cloudy skies.  It will be warm still with temperatures in the lower 80s. 

Sunday looks to be a fantastic day with partly cloudy skies and lower humidity levels as an area of high pressure builds in across the Deep South.  This will dry us out, and bring in some less humid air.  High temperatures will be in the lower 80s. 

Next Week Outlook:  That area of high pressure will remain over us through Wednesday before it moves to the east.  That will lead to partly cloudy skies Monday through Wednesday with highs in the lower 80s, and lows in the upper 50s. 

On Thursday, return flow, or southerly winds will come back to Louisiana.  This will increase the clouds some, and also the humidity.  Highs will be in the mid 80s.  On Friday, a cold front will once again march across the Southeast U.S.  This will give us the chance for showers and thunderstorms once again.  Temperatures will remain in the 80s. 

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

Red River Landing:  59.2 feet.  Flood Stage is at 48 feet.  

Donaldsonville:  30.6 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

If you would like to have the Weather Blog in your e-mail Inbox every morning during the week, click here and sign up for FREE! 

Remember you can always get the latest forecast and radar information on Cox Cable channel 18 or Digital Cable channel 125, on www.2theadvocate.com/weather, or by calling the Weather 2 forecast line at (225) 336-2375.