Rains Arriving Friday

It’s been another breezy, warm, and even somewhat muggy day across the area. Afternoon temps have risen into the lower 80°s in many locales, following a morning start that only saw temps drop into the upper 60°s and lower 70°s. In fact, those morning readings are closer to normal highs for this time of year. Winds this afternoon have gusted over 30 mph in many locations.

Peak wind gusts through 4 p.m. Thursday.

A few showers have dotted our Titan9 radar screen through the afternoon and will continue to do so into the evening. However, rains shouldn’t be much of a concern if you have plans to get out for dinner or anything else. Just grab an umbrella in case you get caught under one of the brief downpours.

Rain chances will increase sharply during the overnight hours as a cool front approaches from the north. Showers and t-storms are likely by the time we hit the morning commute on Friday. Fortunately, severe weather doesn’t appear to be much of a threat, nor does heavy rain. Yes, we could see some locally heavy downpours, but flooding-type rains aren’t really expected. Most of us will likely see under an inch of rain on Friday, but any storms could produce locally higher amounts.

Titan9 RPM model projection of rain totals through Saturday morning. The blue shades indicate under an inch of rainfall, while green shading indicates 1" to 2".

Friday’s high temps will likely occur during the overnight (near 70°), with daytime readings stuck in the 60°s thanks to clouds, rainfall and the passage of a cool front.

If you’ve been paying attention to our forecasts this week, you may remember that we’ve discussed the potential for Friday’s front to stall nearby. It now looks like the front will slip well to our south, with a couple of notable consequences: a somewhat cooler start on Saturday morning, but also much lower rain chances than initially expected on Saturday.

While we could still have a few isolated showers in the area on Saturday morning, the Komen Race for the Cure will likely avoid any major weather problems. You may actually want some long sleeves early on Saturday with temps expected to be in the lower 50°s.

We also remind you the Saturday is Household Hazardous Materials Day for East Baton Rouge Parish residents.

Good rain chances return to the forecast from late Sunday into Monday as our next system approaches from the west. Again, widespread severe weather is not expected at this point, but there are some indications we could at least see a strong storm or two. We’ll take a look at that again tomorrow.