textproduct: New Orleans/Baton Rouge

KEY MESSAGES

Updated at 1145 AM CDT Tue Aug 18 2026

- Dangerous heat continues with afternoon heat indices in the 108-115 degree range through the week. Warm overnight temperatures will offer limited to no relief.

- Only isolated to scattered afternoon storms are expected the next couple days. Coverage should be somewhat greater toward the Mississippi coast and eastern portions of the forecast area.

SHORT TERM

(Now through Friday) Issued at 1145 AM CDT Tue Aug 18 2026

Not really a lot to talk about in the short term, other than the heat. A few isolated showers and storms are possible each day, especially during the peak heating hours, similar to what we saw around the area yesterday. Issued another heat advisory for tomorrow but with the expected values, opted against the heat warning for now. The heat warning remains in effect for today. Otherwise, high pressure remains firmly in place and little relief from the heat is expected through the work week.

LONG TERM

(Friday night through Monday) Issued at 1145 AM CDT Tue Aug 18 2026

By the end of the work week, high pressure dominates the southwest, allowing some troughing to dig in to the southeast. This will allow for some drier air to move into the area for the weekend and while apparent temperatures will (possibly) be slightly lower, this will not be enough to make any significant impact on the heat. Temperatures will remain well into the mid and upper 90s and heat index values will continue to be well into heat advisory criteria. A rogue shower or storm will continue to be possible as well during the peak heating hours.

AVIATION

(18Z TAFS) Issued at 1145 AM CDT Tue Aug 18 2026

Outside TSRA developing late in the day, VFR will continue to be the rule for this cycle. Those sites with the highest chances of getting any shower/thunderstorm activity will be shown with timing.

MARINE

Issued at 1145 AM CDT Tue Aug 18 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 at 10 to 15 knots during the night and morning hours then generally lighter wind speeds during the daylight hours. Isolated thunderstorms will remain possible with winds and waves higher in and near this activity, particularly during the overnight and early morning hours.

LIX WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES

LA...Heat Advisory until 8 PM CDT this evening for LAZ034>037-039- 046>048-056-070-071-090-091-093>097.

Heat Advisory from 11 AM to 8 PM CDT Wednesday for LAZ034>037- 039-046>048-056>058-064-070-071-076>087-090>100.

Extreme Heat Warning until 8 PM CDT this evening for LAZ057-058- 064-076>087-089-092-098>100.

GM...None. MS...Heat Advisory until 8 PM CDT this evening for MSZ068>071-077.

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

Extreme Heat Warning until 8 PM CDT this evening for MSZ083>088.

GM...None.