The National Weather Service in New Orleans has issued a heat advisory for Tuesday, from 10 AM to 7 PM CDT, as sweltering heat index values are expected to reach up to 107 degrees; residents across southeast Louisiana and southern Mississippi are under watch as the oppressive humidity and high temperatures pose serious risks for heat-related illnesses.
Weather conditions for New Orleans today indicate a 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms mainly between 1pm and 4pm with sunny skies, and a high near 93 degrees, according to the latest update from the NWS, the humidity sitting at a steamy 90% and a dewpoint of 79 degrees paints a picture of an intensely hot and sticky day ahead, with a northwest wind around 5 mph that's unlikely to offer much relief.
Tonight's forecast predicts mostly clear skies with a low around 79 degrees, calm winds becoming west around 5 mph after midnight, offering some respite from the day's heat but with increasing chances of showers and thunderstorms through tomorrow, and the likelihood of precipitation at 70% points to a wetter day in the forecast.
Looking ahead tomorrow night, a more thunderous change is in the air, as showers and thunderstorms are likely to continue, then evolving into possible thunderstorms after 10 pm with a low around 77 degrees, local citizens should brace for more erratic weather southwest wind around 5 mph becoming north after midnight, the chance of precipitation climbing to 80%.
With the advisory in place, the NWS urges the public to take precautions drinking plenty of fluids, seeking air-conditioned spaces, avoiding direct sunlight, and checking on those who might be most vulnerable to the heat, and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration is calling for outdoor workers to take frequent rest breaks in cooler, shaded or air-conditioned environments.
