Cold Front Triggers Significant Storm Threat For Louisiana

(KMDL-FM) It is very seldom that the Storm Prediction Center projects a severe weather outbreak more than two days in advance. Over the weekend, we noticed that the SPC had placed Louisiana in crosshairs for another major weather event that would be on the edge of the forecast envelope.

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Weather forecasts lose accuracy over time, so for the Storm Prediction Center to include a potential severe weather threat for Wednesday in Louisiana in their forecast guidance and projections issued this past Saturday and Sunday was a bit unusual. The SPC only does that when there is a large amount of confidence in the forecast's projection.

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Why Is Louisiana Expecting More Severe Weather This Week?

The catalyst for Louisiana's next bout of inclement weather is another cold front. We'd better enjoy these fronts while we can because we are about to that time of year when fronts won't make it through Louisiana and the Gulf South because of the Bermuda High.

Here is where the Storm Prediction Center is forecasting potential severe weather in Louisiana on Wednesday.

As you can see, that is basically the entire state. However, the timing of when the stronger storms will arrive will be a key factor in just how much this potential severe weather outbreak will affect you.

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Based on the current forecast guidance, the stronger storms will enter western sections of Louisiana on Wednesday afternoon and spread eastward across the state. The current guidance suggests that cities such as Lake Charles, DeRidder, and Leesville will feel the effects of strong storms beginning mid-afternoon on Wednesday.

When Will Acadiana Experience Its Next Round of Strong Storms and Severe Weather?

Cities further to the east, such as Lafayette, Opelousas, and New Iberia, might not experience strong storms or heavy downpours until late Wednesday or early Thursday morning. It all depends on how the cold front "lays down" across the state.

Current rainfall forecasts, such as the one you see from KATC Television, suggest that the central part of the state will get the most rain out of this weather event.

The Euro Model Rain projection offered by Meteorologist Breyanna Lewis of KATC suggests almost four inches of rain in Alexandria, while Lafayette might only see half an inch of rain from the storm system.

The threat of heavy showers and storms will remain across the I-10 corridor through Thursday evening. The forecast will include a slight risk of showers and only slightly cooler weather for Friday. Low rain chances and warmer temperatures are expected for next weekend across the region.