textproduct: New Orleans/Baton Rouge

KEY MESSAGES

Updated at 1116 AM CDT Thu Aug 20 2026

- Dangerous heat continues with afternoon heat indices in the 105-113 degree range through the week. Warm overnight temperatures will offer limited to no relief.

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

SHORT TERM

(Now through Sunday) Issued at 1116 AM CDT Thu Aug 20 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 afternoon showers/storms will be expected, especially Friday and Saturday afternoon/early evening as a slight weakness influences the area, enhancing rainfall chances during peak daytime heating hours. 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 with Friday expected to be the hottest out of the next couple of days. High in the mid to upper 90s combined with heat index values in the 107-115 degrees range will be quite dangerous. An extreme heat warning is in effect for Friday during peak daytime heating hours. Heat advisories will likely be needed Saturday and Sunday, depending on the cloud cover. MSW

LONG TERM

(Sunday night through Wednesday) Issued at 1116 AM CDT Thu Aug 20 2026

High pressure continues to build over the area for the start of the workweek. Southerly surface winds will continue to advect warm and moist air into the region. 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 this would be frequent lightning and gusty winds (30-50mph) if a storm does occur. 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

(18Z TAFS) Issued at 1116 AM CDT Thu Aug 20 2026

VFR conditions prevail at all area airports and will persist through the forecast period. A TEMPO group is in the forecast for GPT for MVFR conditions due to low visibilities and ceilings due to popup afternoon storms this afternoon. MSW

MARINE

Issued at 1116 AM CDT Thu Aug 20 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 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>058-064-070-071-076>087-089>100.

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

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

Extreme Heat Warning from 11 AM to 8 PM CDT Friday for MSZ068>071-077-083>088.

GM...None.