July 2nd Weather Blog

. . .A Possible Record High Today. . .

Short Term:  It is significantly warmer and more humid this morning across south Louisiana!  Southerly winds have returned, and that is the reason for the warmer weather.  Temperatures are in the upper 70s.

We could tie or even break the record high this afternoon! Yesterday we fell 1 degree short of the 115 year old record, but I think we have a better chance of getting it today.  The record is 99 set back in 1978.  We will have a day very similar to yesterday with mostly sunny skies, and high temperatures around 100.  However, we do not have the cloud cover this morning, and that is one of the reasons why I think we could attain the record.  Another change to the weather today will be the humidity.  It will be a little higher today, so the Heat Index will feel like 105 to 110 at times. 

Tonight will be another warm and steamy one with mostly clear skies.  Low temperatures will fall down to the mid 70s.

Ozone Action Day:  Due to the hot and calm weather across the Baton Rouge area, The Department of Environmental Quality or DEQ, has issued an Ozone Action Day for today.  Air Quality will be code Orange, or Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups.  If you have respiratory problems, then you should remain indoors. 

Also, during an Ozone Action Day, try to take one or more of the following voluntary actions into practice:

• Drive less or Carpool
• Refuel your car at night verses during the day
• Cut your grass later in the day verses the afternoon. 
• Conserve Energy in your home

4th of July Weekend:  We will continue to have the heat and humidity this weekend.  There is an area of high pressure sitting over south Florida, and that will be responsible for pumping in plenty of Gulf Moisture across the Gulf Coast states.  This will also prevent any weather systems from moving through.  However, a weak cold front will get pretty close, and that will help to set off some stray showers.  Along with the front, some daytime pop-up storms may develop.  The chance for rain is only 20%, so many of you will remain rain-free. 

On Friday, we will have partly cloudy skies, and very hot temperatures climbing to the upper 90s.  The record high is 100 set back in 1921, so we will come close to that record as well! 

Saturday and Sunday will have partly cloudy skies with a slight chance of a shower.  Highs in the upper 90s, and lows in the mid 70s. 

The forecast for the Fireworks on the Mississippi Downtown shows we will have mostly clear skies with temperatures in the upper 80s at 9:00 PM.  If you are headed Downtown for all the events all day, be prepared for the heat!  Try to dress with light weight, and light colored clothing.  Drink plenty of water, and make sure you have plenty of sunscreen on!  Have a great 4th of July, stay safe, and try to stay cool! 

Tropical Update:  All areas of the Tropical Atlantic Basin are still quiet, so I am not expecting any tropical cyclone formation through Friday.

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