Heat across the south with some slight relief this weekend possible: Southern LA/MS/AL/ Forecast 7/19/2023

NWS Hazard map // Courtesy of National Weather Service

Summer has its hold on the south making the heat the main story of this forecast. The culprits of this is our ever present Ridge in that has been sitting over the West and the upper low over Hudson Bay. The low has weakened some allowing for the ridge to expand its influence across more of the south. This has allowed temperatures to increase into the upper 90s and low 100s.

This combined with the moisture has resulted in dangerous heat indices as well. The relief that we may see is some enhanced troughing by our upper low which will work to bring increased storm chances and temperature relief to the region. Let’s break it down below.



Short-Term Outlook

The region will continue to see high temperatures in the upper 90s to low 100s spread across the region as our ridge continues to exert its influence and spread across the region. This combined with the humidity values has led to widespread heat indices values of 100 -105 with locally higher amounts possible. As a result, much of the region is under a heat advisory so extra precaution should be taken to protect yourselves from the heat and prevent heat-related illnesses, whether this be accomplished by taking frequent breaks from outdoor activities, staying well hydrated, and cooling off in any air-conditioned buildings if possible.

HRRR Temperature Depiction over two days// Courtesy of Pivotal Weather
Current 500mb Anomaly Map // Courtesy of Pivotal Weather


Extended Outlook

The heat is expected to stay put through Friday where a subtle pattern shift should result in some relief. Until then, high temperatures and moist air will pose a substantial risk for heat-related illnesses. With more troughing present, we should see a renewal in westerly flow and a reduction in subsidence keeping the heat near the surface. As a result, temperatures will “cool” to the mid 90s.

While this is still hot, this temperature is far more manageable then the upper 90s and low 100s expected in the short term. This relief will be short lived as models are indicating a return to ridging as early as next week and the Climate Prediction Center is calling for widespread above average temperatures for this time of year. Stay safe during these hot conditions everyone!

GFS Depiction of Temperature from Days 3-8 //Courtesy of Pivotal Weather
500 mb Anomaly Map on Day 4 //Courtesy of Pivotal Weather


REGIONAL DAY-TO-DAY FORECAST

Today: Mostly sunny and hot. High temperatures in the mid 90s to low 100s. Heat indices may reach up to 105 degrees.

Tonight: Mostly clear. Low temperatures in the mid 70s to low 80s.

Thursday : Sunny and hot. High temperatures in the mid 90s to low 100s. Heat indices may reach up to 105 degrees.

Thursday night: Clear skies. Low temperatures in the mid 70s to low 80s.

Friday: Sunny and hot. High temperatures in the upper 90s to low 100s. Heat indices may reach up to 105 degrees.

Friday night: Clear skies. Low temperatures in the mid 70s to low 80s.

Saturday: Mostly cloudy, with a chance of showers and thunderstorms. High temperatures in the upper 80s to mid 90s. Chance of rain 50%.

Saturday night: Mostly clear skies. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. Low temperatures in the low 70s to low 80s. Chance of rain 20%.

Sunday: Partly cloudy, with a chance of showers and thunderstorms. High temperatures in the upper 80s to mid 90s. Chance of rain 40%.

Sunday night: Partly cloudy skies, with a chance of showers and thunderstorms. Low temperatures in the low to mid 70s. Chance of rain 20%.

Monday: Mostly sunny skies. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. High temperatures in the mid 90s to low 100s. Chance of rain 20%.

Monday night: Mostly clear skies. Low temperatures in the mid 70s to low 80s.

Tuesday: Partly cloudy skies. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. High temperatures in the low to upper 90s. Chance of rain 30%.

Tuesday Night: Mostly clear skies. Low temperatures in the mid 70s to low 80s



Author of the article:


Bruce Pollock

Bruce is a recent graduate of the University of Oklahoma with a degree in Meteorology. Bruce is continuing his education at the University of Albany this fall in the Emergency Management & Homeland Security departments to learn more about communicating risks in the weather enterprise.