Severe Weather Threat Increasing Over Louisiana

(Lake Charles, Louisiana) Forecasters with the National Weather Service in Lake Charles are urging residents of South Louisiana to be weather aware over the next several days. The area's typical summertime forecast of pop-up showers and storms fostered by daytime heating will take a severe turn later today and through most of the upcoming workweek.

There will also be the threat of localized flash flooding as the forecast does include the possibility of an excessive rain event for portions of the state over the next several days. An excessive rain event occurs when rainfall rates are higher than the ability of the area to drain stormwater. This usually results in ponding of water on roadways and, in many cases, can close some low-lying roadways for a few hours.

Where Is Severe Weather Expected in Louisiana Today?

As of early this Sunday morning, strong storms were pushing across the state generally along and north of Interstate 20. The northern half of the state is currently under a slight to marginal risk of severe storms. The area closest to the Arkansas state line is most likely to see stronger storms, but severe weather could meander as far south as Alexandria during the day today.

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The threat of severe storms becomes a bit more likely in the southern half of the state during the day on Monday. The current Storm Prediction Center forecast calls for a marginal risk of severe storms along the I-10 corridor as we begin the workweek tomorrow.

The threat of severe storms will remain for much of Louisiana as we look ahead into Tuesday's weather forecast. Tuesday will also bring an excessive rain threat southward to cities such as Lake Charles, Lafayette, Baton Rouge, and New Orleans.

If you do have outdoor plans during the upcoming week, especially during the afternoon hours, we suggest you look for an inside venue instead or start developing your backup plan for rescheduling to a different time. Rain chances are forecast to be well above seasonal norms for this time of year, beginning on Monday.

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What is the Weather Forecast for South Louisiana This Week?

The current National Weather Service Forecast suggests that a threat of heavy rain and strong thunderstorms will remain across the I-10 corridor through Friday. The current forecast calls for a 50% chance of rain on Monday. That ramps up to an 80% threat of storms each day on Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday.

No, this doesn't mean it will rain all day every day. But the odds are likely that most areas will receive at least some rainfall at some time during the next five days. It's probably a good idea if you have kids at home for summer vacation that you remind them of "what to do" should some of the storms become severe or if tornado watches or warnings are required.

It's probably a good idea to remind them about lightning safety, too. Many of the storms that are anticipated over the next few days will contain frequent lightning strikes. This could be damaging to electronic equipment in your home. So make sure your kids know that gaming systems, computers, and televisions might need to be switched off or unplugged during big storms.

It does appear that calmer and less volatile weather will return to the area late in the week, so you can start looking forward to next weekend.