Forecast for Southern LA/MS/AL for August 12th, 2023: Excessive Heat Continues

A general overview of today’s weather. // courtesy; National Weather Service

Hello, everyone. I hope you have a great week. Looking at the local region’s forecast, high temperatures are expected today, with an excessive heat warning to be issued today. Afternoon temperatures are expected to top 100 degrees Fahrenheit (38 degrees Celsius), with heat index values much higher. Areas along the Alabama coast have the highest chance of seeing rainfall, although rain chances will be low.

The Heat Will Stick Around

Today’s forecasted high temperatures. // courtesy; Storm Vista
Today’s forecasted apparent or fell-like temperatures. // courtesy; National Weather Service

It seems like we meteorologists are saying the same things again and again, but more heat is expected for the region. A region of high pressure to the south is driving warm tropical air into the area. A stationary front situated to the northwest will prevent cooler air from moving south. Due to this setup, hot, humid air will be set up in the region this weekend. As for tomorrow’s temperatures, afternoon high temperatures could top 100 degrees Fahrenheit (38 degrees Celsius). This does not include the heat index or fell-like temperatures, which could top 115 degrees Fahrenheit (46 degrees Celsius). With forecasted low temperatures in the low 80s, overnight lows will not provide much relief. These temperatures can induce heat-related illnesses in a matter of minutes. Areas along the coast will be slightly cooler due to the afternoon sea breeze and cloud cover from possible thunderstorms.

A Slight Chance of Rain

Today’s forecast accumulated rainfall. // courtesy; National Weather Service
Today’s radar loop. // courtesy; Storm Vista

Looking at our rainfall chances today, most areas should stay dry. Areas further west will see the least chance of rainfall. Areas such as Mobile, Alabama, and Pensacola, Florida, will see a higher chance of precipitation. The rain is being caused by the high-pressure system in the Gulf of Mexico, which will cause the sea breeze to produce scattered afternoon showers. Also, a cold front north of the region will help produce some scattered showers and storms. No severe weather is expected in the region, but remember that general thunderstorms can still produce heavy rain and lightning.

Extended Outlook

16 to 20-day temperature outlook. // courtesy; Storm Vista
16 to 30-day temperature outlook. // courtesy; Storm Vista

Looking at our extended outlook, the heat dome is expected to stick around through next week. Expect above-average temperatures to precise thought the center United States. The area of high pressure in the Gulf of Mexico is expected to stick around, limiting any cooler weather. The cold front north of the forecast region could move south, which could increase rainfall chances through next week.

5 Day Outlook

Today: Mostly sunny with a 20% chance of rain. High 99. Winds west-southwest at 5 to 10 mph.

Tonight: Clear, low 82. Winds southwest at 5 to 10 mph.

Tomorrow: Sunny, high 98. Winds northwest at 5 to 10 mph

Sunday Night: Mostly clear, low 81. Winds southwest at 5 to 10 mph

Monday: Mostly sunny with a 20% chance of rain. High 97. Winds west-northwest at 5 to 10 mph switching to the south.

Monday Night: Mostly clear, low 82. Winds southwest at 5 to 10 mph.

Tuesday: Partly cloudy with a 60% chance of thunderstorms in the afternoon. High 99. Winds west-southwest at 5 to 10 mph.

Tuesday Night: Mostly cloudy with a 60% chance of thunderstorms before midnight. Low 75. Winds light and variable.

Wednesday: Partly cloudy with a 20% chance of rain. High 94. Winds east a 5 to 10 mph.

Wednesday Night: Clear skies, low 77. Winds west-southwest at 5 to 10 mph.



Author of the article:


Seth Lee

Seth is a rising senior currently attending Florida Institute of Technology and is pursuing a degree in meteorology. After graduating, Seth wants to go into the forecasing sector of meteorology and will eventually pursue a graduate program. Seth is spending the summer in his home city of Denver Colorado.