Weather Blog

Dave Nussbaum
dnussbaum@wbrz.com

Short Term:  It is another very warm and muggy morning across the Capital City.  We have mostly clear skies, and the temperatures are in the mid 70s once again.

The heat will continue once again today with partly cloudy skies as that area of high pressure remains over the Southeast U.S.  This high is not allowing any weather systems to move through Baton Rouge, and we are basking in the sunshine. 

However, it is also allowing the upper-levels of the atmosphere to be dry, while the surface is very humid.  When this happens, the atmosphere becomes "capped" and you typically do not get many thunderstorms.  Once that "cap" would break, then you would be able to see some rain.  Unfortunately, that "cap" will hold again today, so no rain is expected.  Temperatures will be in the lower 90s, but the Heat Index will be 95 to 100 degrees.  As always, remember to drink plenty of water and take frequent breaks if you will be outside for an extended period of time today. 

Tonight, the skies will go mostly clear, and it will remain warm and sticky.  Lows will fall to the mid 70s. 

Rest of the Week:  That area of high pressure will remain in place through Friday.  This will lead to the same persistent weather pattern we have seen all week: hot, humid and mostly dry.  High temperatures will be in the lower 90s both Thursday and Friday. 

Weekend Outlook:  That area of high pressure will start moving to the east this weekend.  That will allow for more moisture to move into Louisiana, and also a few disturbances will move by.  These disturbances will allow us to have a chance for some stray showers Saturday and Sunday, but the rain chances will be low.  Only 20% of the area will actually see rain.  Temperatures will remain in the lower 90s. 

Tropical Update:  Everything is quiet across the tropical Atlantic, and tropical storm formation is not expected through Thursday. 

Yesterday, Dr. Gray and his team came out with their updated forecast for the 2008 Hurricane Season, and they did not make any changes.  The team is still calling for 15 Named Storms, 8 Hurricanes, and 4 Major Hurricanes to form this year. 

Mississippi River Levels:  The Mississippi River continues to fall slowly. Click here for the latest on the Flood Warnings.  Here are the latest stages as of this morning:

• Baton Rouge:  32.6 feet.  Flood Stage is at 35 feet.    
• Red River Landing:  49.5 feet.  Flood Stage is at 48 feet.  A river flood warning remains in effect! 

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