Storm Forecasts Put A Damper On Local Graduation Ceremonies

(KMDL-FM) The culmination of hundreds of high school educations could coincide with the arrival of very strong storms and heavy rains across South Louisiana this week. As springtime graduations meet springtime storms at a most inopportune time.

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If you were not aware, graduation and commencement exercises are already underway across South Louisiana. This past weekend, degrees were awarded at LSU and the University of Louisiana. Now it's time for high schools to step into the spotlight and highlight their graduating classes, but Mother Nature could put quite a damper on some of the ceremonies.

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Which South Louisiana Graduation Ceremonies Will Face the Worst Weather?

The thumbnail sketch of graduation for Lafayette area schools looks like this. Tuesday, seniors from Ovey Comeaux High will graduate at 3 pm. At 6 pm that same evening, graduates from Lafayette High School will receive diplomas. Weather conditions for those graduation times shouldn't be too bad.

The current forecast for Tuesday afternoon includes only a 30% chance of showers and storms. That chance of rain will continue into the evening. However, conditions do change dramatically when we move into Wednesday's forecast and the plans for Wednesday's commencement exercises.

What Is the Weather Forecast For Wednesday's Graduation Ceremonies?

On Wednesday at 3 pm, graduates from Northside High School will be awarded diplomas. At 6 pm, graduates from Southside High School will be awarded their diplomas. These graduation ceremonies may have the biggest concern with showers and storms this week.

The current forecast scenario for Wednesday includes an 80% probability of showers and storms. Some of the storms could produce flooding rains, and there could be a threat of severe weather in the area on Wednesday. Conditions do improve later in the day and into the evening. But those participating and attending graduation on Wednesday will need to be "weather aware".

What Is the Weather Forecast For Thursday's Graduation Ceremonies?

Thursday's graduations in Lafayette include Carencro High School, DTSMA, and Acadiana High School. The weather conditions on Thursday will be similar to those on Wednesday. There will be a significant threat of showers and storms, some with heavy downpours.

The threat of storms will be most likely in the afternoon and early evening hours, with some decrease in coverage and intensity of showers and storms during the evening hours.

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Some forecast models are projecting almost four inches of rain for the Lafayette area over the next week. Not only could this play a part in disrupting graduation ceremonies at Lafayette's Cajundome, but the inclement weather and threat of showers and storms will likely affect the first weekend of the Cajun Heartland State Fair. That is scheduled to begin on Friday, also at Lafayette's Cajundome.