Dangerous Heat Returns to South Louisiana in Days Ahead
(Lafayette, Louisiana) - Summer is in full swing as the kids return to school; the heat is on, and it may only be getting hotter in Acadiana.
You don't need a degree in meteorology to know that it has been a very hot summer thus far, and according to the extended forecast, the hottest days of summer may be here now or may soon be knocking on the front door.
A high-pressure area is sitting over much of the southern United States, and while that may limit rainfall in the region, it can also create the heat dome we seem to be under right now.
July was relatively dry in South Louisiana, and with that high-pressure system parked over much of Louisiana, we were baking; July actually ranked as one of the hottest months in U.S. history.
Once we got through July, August seemed to start off on the mild side as a "cool front" helped lower the humidity levels here, but that didn't last long. The August heat returned, and now meteorologists are saying that in the days ahead we could get the hottest days of summer thus far.
Heat Wave in Louisiana
Temperatures are expected to be in the upper-90s, and with the region's humidity, heat indices could spike above 110 degrees. Therefore, don't be shocked when you hear about heat advisories on the air or on social media; it is going to be that HOT in the days ahead.
With that said, here are a few things you can do to stay safe as temperatures soar across South Louisiana. If you are working outdoors, remember to take plenty of breaks and not overwork yourself. You should also drink plenty of water if you're outdoors.
Summer Safety Tips
Speaking of drinking water, please make sure that if you have pets outside, they have shade all day and lots of fresh water. Pets can overheat quickly in this summer heat.
Remember to keep the shades or curtains closed in your house to help keep it cooler. Running ceiling fans is another great way to keep your home cool during extreme temperatures.
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If you notice your air conditioner is struggling to keep up, HVAC experts suggest cooling the coils by gently spraying water on your outdoor unit. Never place a tent over your outdoor unit for shade, as the canopy can prevent heat from escaping.
We hope you and your loved ones stay safe this summer, and please NEVER leave anyone or anything in your vehicle. It's simply too dangerous.
Here's the extended forecast for Acadiana. #Ouch
