textproduct: New Orleans/Baton Rouge

KEY MESSAGES

Updated at 619 PM CDT Fri Aug 21 2026

- Dangerous heat continues with afternoon heat indices in the 105-113 degree range through the weekend. Warm overnight temperatures will offer limited relief.

- Isolated to scattered afternoon storms are expected the next couple days with a little better coverage this afternoon and evening.

SHORT TERM

(Now through Monday night) Issued at 1224 PM CDT Fri Aug 21 2026

Tonight through the weekend, upper level ridging will remain in place over the area. Southerly surface winds will continue to help advect warm air and moisture into the area, increasing the humidity. Scattered showers and storms will be expected daily during the afternoon and early evening. These storms will have the potential for frequent lightning and gusty subsevere winds (40- 50mph). These storms are not expected to be severe.

The heat continues. Highs in the mid to upper 90s combined with heat index values in the 103-110 degrees range will be quite warm. Heat advisories are in effect for Saturday and will likely be needed Sunday. Be sure to stay hydrated and take frequent breaks if you will be spending time outdoors. MSW

LONG TERM

(Tuesday through Thursday night) Issued at 1224 PM CDT Fri Aug 21 2026

High pressure continues to build over the area for the workweek. Southerly surface winds will continue to advect warm and moist air into the region, increasing humidities for the area. Conditions will be quite dry overall for the beginning of next week with PoPs less than 10-20% for the long term forecast. An isolated shower/storm will be possible daily during peak heating hours in the afternoon/evening. The main risk with these storms where they occur would be frequent lightning and gusty winds (30-50mph). The heat will continue as well with highs in the mid to upper 90s and heat index values in the 105-110 degree range. So, be sure to stay hydrated and take frequent breaks if spending time outdoors. MSW

AVIATION

(00Z TAFS) Issued at 626 PM CDT Fri Aug 21 2026

Convection is ongoing across the region this evening. Covered most terminals with thunder outside of MCB and GPT where thunder chances are lowest. Elsewhere, HUM will hang on to convective potential a bit longer, but all sites should be cleared prior to 05z. Convection has been very gusty this evening. These gusts will be variable, but should decrease as convection continues to decay across the region. Otherwise, later tonight mostly VFR conditions are expected and should continue through the rest of the period outside of potential lower VIS for MCB after some soaking rains. (Frye)

MARINE

Issued at 1224 PM CDT Fri Aug 21 2026

Surface high pressure centered over the central Gulf will maintain a generally weak pressure gradient through much of the period. A predominantly westerly flow will continue, with higher winds during the early morning and late night hours. Isolated to scattered thunderstorms will remain possible with winds and waves higher in and near this activity.

LIX WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES

LA...Extreme Heat Warning until 8 PM CDT this evening for LAZ034>037- 039-046>048-056>058-064-070-071-076>087-089>100.

Heat Advisory from 11 AM to 8 PM CDT Saturday for LAZ034>037-039- 046>048-056>058-064-070-071-076>087-089>100.

GM...None. MS...Extreme Heat Warning until 8 PM CDT this evening for MSZ068>071- 077-083>088.

Heat Advisory from 11 AM to 8 PM CDT Saturday for MSZ068>071-077- 083>088.

GM...None.