NWS issues Excessive Heat Warning for area
A Heat Advisory which began Thursday afternoon will be upgraded to an Excessive Heat Warning from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. today across northwest Louisiana and beyond.
Temperatures will run around the lower 100’s, and according to an update from the National Weather Service, it will feel even hotter than that.
“The combination of hot afternoon temperatures and high relative humidity values will result in heat index values above 110 degrees from late Friday morning until early Friday evening,” reads a weather message from the NWS station in Shreveport.
The Excessive Heat Warning extends over the four-state area from Monroe to Tyler, Texas and northward into Oklahoma.
“A large, high-pressure system” over the area will extend these high temperatures through the weekend, with the Heat Advisory expected to be expanded as that time approaches.
The only potential consolation comes in the form of thunderstorm chances returning early next week, which would help lessen the extreme heat.
As always, the National Weather Service recommends caution and safe practices during Heat Advisories.
“Take extra precautions if you work or spend time outside. When possible, reschedule strenuous activities to early morning or evening. Know the signs and symptoms of heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Wear light weight and loose fitting clothing when possible and drink plenty of water. Anyone overcome by heat should be moved to a cool and shaded location. Heat stroke is an
emergency, call 9-1-1.”
These precautions increase during the Excessive Heat Warning period today, as the NWS recommends staying indoors.
“An Excessive Heat Warning means that a prolonged period of dangerously hot temperatures will occur. The combination of hot temperatures and high humidity will combine to create a dangerous situation in which heat illnesses are likely. Drink plenty of fluids, stay in an air-conditioned room, stay out of the sun, and check up on relatives and neighbors.”
While young children and pets should never be left alone in vehicles, this is especially true during times of extreme heat, when the temperature of an enclosed car can reach lethal levels in minutes.