Tropical System In the Gulf, What Louisiana Should Watch

(KMDL-FM) In Saturday's update from the National Hurricane Center, there was an area of disturbed weather noted in the northeastern Gulf. Forecasters had given the system at that time a minimal chance of strengthening. Today's update shows that the opportunity for this area of disturbed weather to become a tropical depression and effect intrests along the northern Gulf Coast has improved.

Weather System in the Gulf Given 60% Chance to Strengthen

The National Hurricane Center has boosted the probability of the weather system strengthening into a tropical cyclone from 20% yesterday to 60% today. Some of the more aggressive tropical models create a much stronger system, but the current thinking for the Gulf Coast is nothing that strong.

What does appear to be a certainty with the system is the threat of heavy rain. Right now, the most likely scenarios keep the heaviest of the rain over Florida and Alabama, but depending on how far westward the system drifts, the coasts of Mississippi and Louisiana could feel impacts as well and be under the gun for flooding rains.

As we monitor the progress of this system, the larger concern in the short term will be heat. A heat advisory is posted for much of southeastern Louisiana. The forecast is for even higher temperatures and heat indices over the rest of the state later today, extending into Monday and Tuesday.

Dangerous Heat Forecast for Louisiana: How Hot Will It Be In Louisiana Next Week?

As you can see from that graphic, extra precautions will be needed when working or spending extended periods of time outside during the afternoon hours. A heat index of 110 or higher will be common at many locations along I-10 over the next few afternoons.

Make sure you're staying hydrated during the day, and be sure to check for people and packages that might be in the backseat of your vehicle. And if you have vinyl or leather seats, it might be a good idea to put down a towel before you sit down on them in your shorts. Oh, and what about the seatbelt buckle? That can leave a mark.

These are the 10 Safest ZIP Codes in Acadiana

What are the safest ZIP Codes in Acadiana? We queried the Internet and asked which places have done a good job at keeping crime at bay. No, they're not perfect, but when you read the reasons why these places in Acadiana are considered to be safer than others, it should make sense.

Gallery Credit: Bruce Mikells