Temperatures expected to surpass record highs in southern U.S. What to know in Louisiana
Persistent hot air is pushing northward from Mexico and expanding across parts of Texas, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Southern Kansas, Arkansas and Louisiana.
These regions are currently encapsulated in a 'heat dome,' which refers to an expansive and stagnant zone of high pressure that causes climbing temperatures and limited cloud cover because of sinking air, according to AccuWeather.
Louisiana is experiencing the effects of a 'heat dome,' as temperatures reach dangerous and potentially life-threatening highs. This heat dome is produced by an area of high atmospheric pressure, which causes heat and humidity to become trapped and lead to to sweltering conditions.
Forecasters expect that, as the jet stream moves slightly northward and eastward in the next days, the heat will proliferate into a portion of the Plains, Mississippi Valley and Southeast, according to AccuWeather.
Since the heat dome is expected to persist, with the hottest temperatures shifting slightly eastward, it's likely that Louisiana will continue to experience extreme heat caused by the heat dome.
Louisiana residents are advised to take precautions to stay safe during this heat wave by staying hydrated, seeking shade and avoid strenuous activities during the hottest parts of the day.
Presley Bo Tyler is a reporter for the Louisiana Deep South Connect Team for Gannett/USA Today. Find her on X @PresleyTyler02 and email at PTyler@Gannett.com
This article originally appeared on Shreveport Times: What is a heat dome? Louisiana currently experiencing effects of one
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Yahoo
20 hours ago
- Yahoo
National Hurricane Center tracking 4 tropical waves. August brings increased risk for hurricanes
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"Historically, there have been about 30 August U.S. major hurricane landfalls in the last 175 years, with a clear preference for these most powerful storms to strike the western Gulf," Truchelut said. Most storms develop between mid-August and mid-October, and forecasters said several signs are out there indicating activity will be picking up. The next named storm of the 2025 Atlantic hurricane season will be Dexter. The fourth named storm in the Atlantic basin typically arrives Aug. 15, with the average first hurricane forming Aug. 11. Forecasters warn now is the time to prepare for a hurricane, and you can save on hurricane supplies starting today. A permanent ban on sales taxes for certain hurricane supplies began Friday, Aug. 1. ➤ Track active storms In the Pacific, forecasters are watching five tropical systems, including Tropical Storms Gil and Iona. Gil is expected to strengthen into a hurricane later today. ➤ Pacific hurricane season up to 9 named storms. What about Atlantic? Here's the latest advisory from the National Hurricane Center as of 8 a.m. Aug. 1: What is the National Hurricane Center tracking in the tropics? The National Hurricane Center is tracking three tropical waves in the Atlantic basin, including two in the Caribbean. Tropical wave 1: A tropical wave is in the central Atlantic with axis near 55W, and moving west around 17 mph. Tropical wave 2: A tropical wave is in the eastern Caribbean with axis near 66W south of 20N, moving west at 11 to 17 mph. Tropical wave 3: A tropical wave is in the western Caribbean with axis near 81W south of 20N, moving west at 6 to 11 mph. Is there a hurricane coming toward Florida? No tropical development is expected in the Atlantic basin over the next seven days, according to the National Hurricane Center. "In the coming days, we will be watching the zone from northeast of Florida to just off the Carolina coast for tropical development," AccuWeather Lead Hurricane Expert Alex DaSilva said. ➤ Enjoy quietest start to hurricane season since 2009; but back half could be brutal "Initially, this area, as well as farther west over the interior of the Carolinas, Georgia, northern Florida and southern Alabama, will be quite active in terms of drenching showers and gusty thunderstorms from this weekend to early next week. "Fronts that stall near the warm waters of the southwestern Atlantic sometimes can slowly brew a tropical storm or a storm that forms along the front and becomes tropical over time. The latter tends to have much greater wind potential than a non-tropical storm and can go on to become a powerful hurricane. 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Regardless of development, tropical moisture that interacts with the stalled front and low pressure associated with a brewing storm is likely to unleash torrential downpours along the southern Atlantic Coast to the northeastern Gulf Coast from this weekend to early next week, according to AccuWeather. In areas that receive these downpours repeatedly day after day, the threat for flash flooding will grow and increase, AccuWeather Senior Meteorologist Dan Pydynowski said. The worst rain is predicted to miss Florida, but areas across the Panhandle and North Florida could see between 2 to almost 4 inches of rain, according to NOAA. The worst rain is expected to fall across southeast Georgia to coastal South Carolina, which could see 4 to 8 inches of rain over several days, AccuWeather warned. "Those with beach plans should be mindful of locally rough surf, thunderstorm downpours and the risk of brief tornadoes and waterspouts. 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Environmental conditions appear conducive for some gradual development of this system, and a tropical depression is likely to form late this weekend or early next week. An area of low pressure is forecast to form offshore of the coast of Central America and southern Mexico by the middle part of next week. Thereafter, environmental conditions appear conducive for some development. Most of Florida under heat advisory On July 31, almost all of Florida — the lone exception was Monroe County — was under a heat advisory. On Friday, Aug. 1, heat advisories have been issued for Florida except for the western tip of the Panhandle and most of the west coast. Pensacola, western Panhandle: Mostly sunny, with a high near 91. Heat index values as high as 106. Tallahassee, central Panhandle: A heat advisory is in effect through this evening. Scattered showers and thunderstorms will be possible this afternoon with gusty winds, frequent lightning and heavy rainfall. Jacksonville, North, Northeast Florida: The heatwave is expected to continue into Saturday. Don't be fooled by slightly lower air temps this weekend; the humidity will make it feel dangerously hot, with heat index values hitting 105-112. A heat advisory begins at 10 a.m. Daytona Beach to Stuart, central and eastern Florida: Stretch of hazardous heat continues. A heat advisory is in effect for all of East Central Florida today for heat index values up to 110 degrees. Showers and storms begin along the sea breeze by midday, moving inland in the afternoon/evening. South Florida: A heat advisory is in effect from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. today. Offshore scattered showers continue on both coasts this morning. Southwest, western Florida: temperatures trending back closer to normal as rain chances increase. Temps in the mid 90s, with heat index between 100 and 107. 2025 hurricane season so far An average Atlantic hurricane season has 14 named storms, seven hurricanes, and three major hurricanes. 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Next up, Dexter: Average start date: Aug. 15, with the average first hurricane forming Aug. 11. ➤ How to set up emergency cellphone notifications for flash flood warnings and safety tips ➤ Excessive rainfall forecast Hurricane names for 2025 season Here are the names for the 2025 Atlantic hurricane season, along with how to pronounce them: Andrea (June 24) Barry (June 29) Chantal (July 5) Dexter: DEHK-ster Erin: AIR-rin Fernand: fair-NAHN Gabrielle: ga-bree-ELL Humberto: oom-BAIR-toh Imelda: ee-MEHL-dah Jerry: JEHR-ee Karen: KAIR-ren Lorenzo: loh-REN-zoh Melissa: meh-LIH-suh Nestor: NES-tor Olga: OAL-guh Pablo: PAHB-lo Rebekah: reh-BEH-kuh Sebastien: se-BAS-tee-en Tanya: TAHN-yuh Van: van Wendy: WEN-dee When is the Atlantic hurricane season? The Atlantic hurricane season runs from June 1 through Nov. 30. Ninety-seven percent of tropical cyclone activity occurs during this time period, NOAA said. The Atlantic basin includes the northern Atlantic Ocean, Caribbean Sea and Gulf of America, as the Gulf of Mexico is now known in the U.S. per an order from President Trump. NOAA and the National Hurricane Center are now using Gulf of America on its maps and in its advisories. When is the peak of hurricane season? National Hurricane Center map: See what forecasters watching now Systems currently being monitored by the National Hurricane Center include: Why does NHC say 'tropical cyclone' on its maps instead of hurricane or tropical storm? Tropical cyclone is the generic term used by the National Weather Service, NOAA and the National Hurricane Center for any tropical system, even if it's in the tropical Atlantic basin. To be more precise, a tropical cyclone is a "rotating, organized system of clouds and thunderstorms that originates over tropical or subtropical waters and has closed, low-level circulation," NOAA said. Once maximum sustained winds reach 74 mph, what it is called is determined by where it originated: : for storms in the North Atlantic, central North Pacific, and eastern North Pacific. : for storms in the Northwest Pacific. : for storms in the South Pacific and Indian Ocean. Interactive map: Hurricanes, tropical storms that have passed near your city Stay informed. Get weather alerts via text What's next? We will update our tropical weather coverage daily. Download your local site's app to ensure you're always connected to the news. And look for our special subscription offers here. This article originally appeared on The Daytona Beach News-Journal: Hurricane Center hurricane forecast, Florida impacts for August
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21 hours ago
- USA Today
Tropical Storm Gil forms in the Pacific, expected to become hurricane: See tracker
Iona has weakened into a tropical storm in the Pacific Ocean while another storm – Tropical Storm Gil – has formed and continues to strengthen. In an advisory issued at 11 p.m. Hawaiian Standard Time on Wednesday, July 30, the National Hurricane Center said Gil has formed well to the south-southwest of the southern Baja California peninsula. The hurricane center said the storm was located about 785 miles away from the southern tip of the peninsula with maximum sustained winds near 45 mph with higher gusts, with a turn to the north-northwest expected over the next couple of days. "Some strengthening is forecast during the next couple of days, and Gil is forecast to become a hurricane on Friday," hurricane center forecasters said July 30. Iona, meanwhile, will continue on its westward path into Friday, followed by a gradual turn toward the north-northwest over the weekend, according to the NHC. Iona has maxiumum sustained winds near 50 mph with higher gusts, with additional weakning expected through Thursday. Tropical Storm Gil path tracker This forecast track shows the most likely path of the center of the storm. It does not illustrate the full width of the storm or its impacts, and the center of the storm is likely to travel outside the cone up to 33% of the time. Tropical Storm Gil spaghetti models This forecast track shows the most likely path of the center of the storm. It does not illustrate the full width of the storm or its impacts, and the center of the storm is likely to travel outside the cone up to 33% of the time. NHC tracking two other systems in the Pacific The hurricane center said in a July 30 advisory it is also keeping tabs on two other systems in the Pacific Ocean. The first system is a broad area of low pressure located about 800 miles southest of Hilo, Hawaii that is producing disorganized showers and thunderstorms. "Although the system lacks a well-defined low-level center at this time, some additional development is possible, and a short-lived tropical depression could still form during the next day or so," the hurricane center said in the advisory, noting that after that time, environmental conditions are expected to become less conducive for further development. The hurricane center gives the system a 40% chance of formation through the next 48 hours. A second area of low pressure is expected to form well south of southwestern Mexico in the next couple of days, hurricane center forecasters said. "Environmental conditions appear conducive for some gradual development of this system, and a tropical depression could form over the weekend or early next week" as the system moves west-northwestward, the hurricane center said, giving the system a 70% chance of formation through the next seven days. How do hurricanes form? Hurricanes are born in the tropics, above warm water. Clusters of thunderstorms can develop over the ocean when water temperatures exceed 80 degrees Fahrenheit. If conditions are right, the clusters swirl into a storm known as a tropical wave or tropical depression. A tropical depression becomes a named tropical storm once its sustained wind speeds reach 39 miles per hour. When its winds reach 74 mph, the storm officially becomes a hurricane. Prepare now for hurricanes Delaying potentially life-saving preparations could mean waiting until it's too late. "Get your disaster supplies while the shelves are still stocked, and get that insurance checkup early, as flood insurance requires a 30-day waiting period," NOAA recommends. Gabe Hauari is a national trending news reporter at USA TODAY. You can follow him on X @GabeHauari or email him at Gdhauari@
Yahoo
a day ago
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Forecasters say waters are warm enough for tropical storms. What to expect in Jacksonville
Florida continues to sizzle with temperatures in the 90s and a heat index as high as 112 for some, so temps in the 80s may sound good. However, when you're talking about water temperatures during hurricane season, that's not a good combination. And water temperatures from the coast of Africa to the Gulf and southwestern Atlantic are at or above 80 degrees, which supports tropical development, according to AccuWeather. ➤ Weather alerts via text: Sign up to get updates about current storms and weather events by location What's the weather in Jacksonville today, July 31, 2025? Today, Jacksonville continues its scorching heat. The National Weather Service has issued another Heat Advisory, in effect from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. for all of Northeast and North Central Florida, as well as Southeast Georgia. Temperatures are expected to reach the mid-to-upper 90s, and when combined with high humidity, the heat index — or "feels like" temperature — could soar between 106 and 112 degrees across the region. The National Weather Service is calling for mostly sunny skies and a slight 10 percent chance of isolated showers or thunderstorms late this afternoon, after 5 p.m. Southwest winds will persist at around 9 mph. Tonight, conditions remain warm and muggy with a low around 78 degrees. A 10 percent chance of early evening storms is possible before 8 p.m., followed by partly cloudy skies and light southwest winds between 6 and 8 mph. Record-breaking: Heat wave causes back-to-back record-setting days for JEA electric demand Is there a hurricane developing near Jacksonville? No, the National Hurricane Center anticipates no tropical activity over the next seven days. AccuWeather forecasters are keeping an eye on an area showing potential for development off the U.S. East Coast in early August. "Historically, there have been about 30 August U.S. major hurricane landfalls in the last 175 years, with a clear preference for these most powerful storms to strike the western Gulf," said Dr. Ryan Truchelut, chief meteorologist with WeatherTiger. Truchelut is a Florida meteorologist who works with the USA TODAY Network. When do most hurricanes develop? Most storms develop between mid-August and mid-October, and forecasters said several signs are out there indicating activity will be picking up. The next named storm of the 2025 Atlantic hurricane season will be Dexter. The fourth named storm in the Atlantic basin typically arrives Aug. 15, with the average first hurricane forming Aug. 11. Forecasters warn now is the time to prepare for a hurricane, and you can save on hurricane supplies starting Aug. 1. Florida eliminated the two-week disaster preparedness tax holiday this year. Instead, a permanent ban on sales taxes for certain hurricane supplies begins Friday, Aug. 1. In the Pacific, forecasters are watching five tropical systems, including the seventh named storm of the season, Tropical Storm Gilmore. ➤ Track active storms Here's the latest advisory from the National Hurricane Center as of 8 a.m. July 31: What is the National Hurricane Center tracking in the tropics? The National Hurricane Center is tracking four tropical waves in the Atlantic basin, including two in the Caribbean. Tropical wave 1: A broad tropical wave has been relocated along 43W, south of 22N, is moving west at 11 to 17 mph. Tropical wave 2: A weak central Atlantic tropical wave is along 55W, south of 18N, moving westward around 11 mph. Tropical wave 3: An central Caribbean tropical wave is along 78W, south of 19N, moving westward around 11 mph. Tropical wave 4: A western Caribbean tropical wave is along 87W, south of 18N, moving westward around 11 mph. Is there a hurricane coming toward Florida? No tropical development is expected in the Atlantic basin over the next seven days, according to the National Hurricane Center. "In the coming days, we will be watching the zone from northeast of Florida to just off the Carolina coast for tropical development," AccuWeather Lead Hurricane Expert Alex DaSilva said. ➤ Enjoy quietest start to hurricane season since 2009; but back half could be brutal Fronts that stall near the warm waters of the southwestern Atlantic sometimes can slowly brew a tropical storm or a storm that forms along the front and becomes tropical over time, according to AccuWeather. "Roughly from Saturday, Aug. 2, to Tuesday, Aug. 5, is the time frame for a tropical storm to develop just off the U.S. southern Atlantic coast," DaSilva said. Steering breezes would likely guide that storm farther away from the U.S. later next week. Regardless, tropical moisture that interacts with the stalled front and low pressure associated with a brewing storm is likely to unleash torrential downpours along the southern Atlantic coast to the northeastern Gulf coast from this weekend to early next week. "Before August slips away like a moment in time, it's more likely than not the U.S. will have to deal with at least some kind of tropical threat, probably in the final third of the month," Truchelut said. "Historically, there have been about 30 August U.S. major hurricane landfalls in the last 175 years, with a clear preference for these most powerful storms to strike the western Gulf." Pacific remains active with formation of Tropical Storm Gilmore The National Hurricane Center is tracking four systems in the Pacific, including the seventh named storm of the season: Tropical Storm Gilmore. Gilmore formed south-southwest of Baja California. Maximum sustained winds are 45 mph. Some strengthening is forecast during the next couple of days, and Gil is forecast to become a hurricane on Friday. Formerly a major hurricane, Iona has weakened into a tropical storm, with maximum sustained winds of 50 mph. Additional weakening is expected through Thursday, July 31. : Disorganized showers and thunderstorms associated with a broad area of low pressure located about 800 miles southeast of Hilo, Hawaii. Some additional development is possible, and a short-lived tropical depression could still form during the next day or so. EP99: Showers and thunderstorms associated with a low pressure system located several hundred miles south-southwest of the southern tip of the Baja California Peninsula continue to become better conditions appear conducive for further development, and if current trends persist, a tropical depression or tropical storm is expected to form on Thursday, July 31. An area of low pressure is expected to form well south of southwestern Mexico in the next couple of days. Environmental conditions appear conducive for some gradual development of this system, and a tropical depression could form over the weekend or early next week. Most of Florida under heat advisory Pensacola, western Panhandle: A heat advisory is in effect from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. CT, with heat index between 108 and 110 possible. Tallahassee, central Panhandle: Another hot day today. Temps will be in the 90s with heat indices ranging from 105 to 112. Thunderstorms may develop this afternoon with potentially strong wind gusts and frequent lightning. Jacksonville, North, Northeast Florida: Heat advisory in effect, with heat index between 108 and 112 today. Temps are forecast to be in the mid to upper 90s. Daytona Beach to Stuart, central and eastern Florida: Hazardous heat continues. A heat advisory has been issued for all of East Central Florida again today. Isolated to scattered and moving inland with the sea breeze in the afternoon and evening. South Florida: Temperatures this afternoon will again reach the 90s across South Florida. Southwest, western Florida: Another hot and mostly dry day. Heat continues to be the main impact. The heat advisory has been expanded to include more of West Central Florida. Better rain chances return this weekend. 2025 hurricane season so far An average Atlantic hurricane season has 14 named storms, seven hurricanes, and three major hurricanes. Here's when this year's named storms have developed, compared to historical averages: Tropical Storm Andrea: formed June 24. Average start date: June 20 Tropical Storm Barry: formed June 29. Average start date: July 17 Tropical Storm Chantal: formed July 5. Average start date: Aug. 3. Next up, Dexter: Average start date: Aug. 15, with the average first hurricane forming Aug. 11. ➤ How to set up emergency cellphone notifications for flash flood warnings and safety tips ➤ Excessive rainfall forecast Hurricane names for 2025 season Here are the names for the 2025 Atlantic hurricane season, along with how to pronounce them: Andrea (June 24) Barry (June 29) Chantal (July 5) Dexter: DEHK-ster Erin: AIR-rin Fernand: fair-NAHN Gabrielle: ga-bree-ELL Humberto: oom-BAIR-toh Imelda: ee-MEHL-dah Jerry: JEHR-ee Karen: KAIR-ren Lorenzo: loh-REN-zoh Melissa: meh-LIH-suh Nestor: NES-tor Olga: OAL-guh Pablo: PAHB-lo Rebekah: reh-BEH-kuh Sebastien: se-BAS-tee-en Tanya: TAHN-yuh Van: van Wendy: WEN-dee When is the Atlantic hurricane season? The Atlantic hurricane season runs from June 1 through Nov. 30. Ninety-seven percent of tropical cyclone activity occurs during this time period, NOAA said. The Atlantic basin includes the northern Atlantic Ocean, Caribbean Sea and Gulf of America, as the Gulf of Mexico is now known in the U.S. per an order from President Trump. NOAA and the National Hurricane Center are now using Gulf of America on its maps and in its advisories. When is the peak of hurricane season? National Hurricane Center map: See what forecasters watching now Systems currently being monitored by the National Hurricane Center include: Why does NHC say 'tropical cyclone' on its maps instead of hurricane or tropical storm? Tropical cyclone is the generic term used by the National Weather Service, NOAA and the National Hurricane Center for any tropical system, even if it's in the tropical Atlantic basin. To be more precise, a tropical cyclone is a "rotating, organized system of clouds and thunderstorms that originates over tropical or subtropical waters and has closed, low-level circulation," NOAA said. Once maximum sustained winds reach 74 mph, what it is called is determined by where it originated: : for storms in the North Atlantic, central North Pacific, and eastern North Pacific. : for storms in the Northwest Pacific. : for storms in the South Pacific and Indian Ocean. Interactive map: Hurricanes, tropical storms that have passed near your city Stay informed. Get weather alerts via text What's next? We will update our tropical weather coverage daily. Download your local site's app to ensure you're always connected to the news. And look for our special subscription offers here. This article originally appeared on Florida Times-Union: Jacksonville Heat Advisory and rising hurricane risk in August Solve the daily Crossword
