Weather Blog

Dave Nussbaum
dnussbaum@wbrz.com

Short Term:  We begin this Thursday morning off with some less humid conditions.  The dew points in Baton Rouge are in the lower 60s, but are in the lower 70s in Lake Charles and New Orleans.  This difference is a sign of a dew point trough axis.  What this means is that along this axis you could see some showers and thunderstorms developing.  This morning we have partly cloudy skies over us, and there are a few showers and thunderstorms popping up.  Temperatures are in the lower 70s. 

This afternoon will be partly cloudy, but will have the chance of some stray thunderstorms.  Since the dew point trough is over Baton Rouge, we will have a better chance of seeing a storm pop up from Baton Rouge to the west.  The old stationary front is located along the coast as well, and this could provide a few additional storms for about 30% of the area.  High temperatures will be toasty again as they climb into the lower 90s. 

Tonight, any rain will end, and then we will go partly cloudy.  It will become more humid with low temperatures falling into the lower 70s. 

Weekend Outlook:  On Friday, we will watch some storms develop along the Great Plains, and head toward our direction.  This is due to the NW flow aloft from the jet stream.  These storms will not dissipate like they have over the last few days as they head to the southeast.  Rather, they will hold together because of a disturbance that will be moving through around the same time.  This will lead to the Baton Rouge area having scattered showers and thunderstorms.  Some of the storms could be strong with gusty winds, heavy rain and frequent lightning strikes.  Temperatures will be in the lower 90s. 

On Saturday, deep tropical moisture will return to the area as a weak tropical wave moves across the Gulf of Mexico.  Plus, return flow, or southerly winds will be back over us as the area of high pressure moves east.  This will provide us with a moisture rich atmosphere which leads to scattered to numerous showers and thunderstorms for much of the area.  Temperatures will be held down to the upper 80s. 

The coverage of rain will decrease on Sunday, but we will still have scattered thunderstorms around. Otherwise, it will be partly cloudy and warmer with highs around 90. 

Tropical Update:  There are two tropical waves I am watching.  The first one is a very weak one that is moving through the western Caribbean.  It is not expected to develop into anything, but will bring deep tropical moisture and rain to the northern Gulf Coast this weekend.  The other wave is located near the Windward Islands.  This one has just about dissipated because of strong upper-level winds. 

Elsewhere. . .the tropics are quiet, and tropical storm formation is not expected through Friday.
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