Severe Weather Alert: South Louisiana's Changing Forecast

(KMDL-FM) Forecasters with the National Weather Service Office in Lake Charles are suggesting that South Louisiana and the I-10 corridor communities of Lake Charles, Lafayette, Baton Rouge, and New Orleans will be riding Mother Nature's roller coaster as far as weather conditions are concerned over the next few days. Including a threat for severe storms with possible tornadoes by the end of the week.

Staff Photo

Before we detail where Weather Service Forecasters believe the threat for the biggest storms will be in the next 24 to 48 hours, let's look at the current weather advisory that will affect anyone who is attempting to drive to work or school across the region this morning.

Virtually the entire state of Louisiana is under a Dense Fog Advisory. Only the extreme northwestern parishes of the state are not included in this advisory. Forecasters say dense fog conditions could lessen visibility on Louisiana roadways to less than a quarter mile or less in some locales.

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What Adjustments do Motorists Need to Make to Safely Drive in Foggy Conditions?

Driving in fog presents a unique set of circumstances for motorists. They not only have to look where they are going, but they also need to make their vehicles even more visible to other travelers. The Forecast Office of the National Weather Service in Lake Charles put together this very handy graphic on the subject.

Weather.gov/lch

We mentioned roller coaster conditions, and that is certainly how South Louisiana temperatures will feel over the next few days. Today and Thursday could see near record high temperatures for the region. Some areas in South Louisiana could see afternoon high temperatures in the lower 80s.

Late Thursday into Friday, things begin to change, and the roller coaster starts a dive, not only with colder temperatures, but also with a potential threat of severe weather in the state for much of the day on Friday.

What Parts of Louisiana Are at Risk For Severe Storms This Week?

The catalyst for the strong storms is a weak cold front. But there is enough moisture and instability in the atmosphere that when combined with the energy brought to the region by the frontal system, strong storms could break out.

weather.gov/lch

The portion of the state that appears to be under the greatest threat for severe storms includes portions of the I-10/I-49 corridor and extends northeastward across Alexandria, Vidalia, Tallulah, and Monroe.

You can expect temperatures behind the frontal system on Saturday to be about ten degrees colder than they were on Friday. By Sunday night and Monday morning, overnight temperatures will be very close to the freezing mark, but a hard freeze and wintry precipitation are not expected.