Extreme Heat Warnings and Heat Index Values
High temperatures are climbing into the upper 90s, with readings expected to reach between 94 and 99 degrees Fahrenheit, according to forecasts. When combined with high humidity, these temperatures will push heat index values as high as 112 to 115 degrees in affected zones, including southeast Louisiana and Mississippi.
Severe Thunderstorm Risks and Storm Timing
Alongside the severe heat, meteorologists have declared a First Warning Weather Alert Day for Friday due to the potential for late-day severe thunderstorms, according to WDSU. The Storm Prediction Center has placed much of southeast Louisiana under a Marginal Risk, which ranks as Level 1 out of 5 on the severe weather scale.
Forecasters note that the severe weather setup is not a certainty, but heavy atmospheric heat will likely fuel storm intensity if triggers develop by late Friday afternoon or evening. Primary hazards associated with any storms that successfully form include gusty winds, frequent lightning, and localized heavy downpours capable of producing temporary street flooding.
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