Even though the weather has been incredibly nice the forecast is not without its challenges! First the temperature forecast tonight is a tricky one with diminishing winds and generally clear skies. But a layer of stratocumulus clouds across the northern and central part of the state is drifting southward at press time and that could halt our temperatures in the lower 40s and keep any frost from forming. I’m going with 39 the low for Lafayette proper by morning but forecast error could be 3-4 degrees in either direction. We’ll get a better idea on the cloud trends later tonight so tune in for the 10pm newscast to find out whether you need to protect the tender vegetation or not. Mostly sunny and milder weather is expected through Thursday with clouds increasing Friday.
The next forecast challenge will be the timing and intensity of the next weather system that will be developing in the northwest Gulf of Mexico Friday and Friday night. The models have been slower bringing the moisture into the area and they are more robust with development in the Gulf of Mexico. This means there is potential for several inches of rain especially along the coastal parishes. There may be severe storms developing with this system Friday but that activity should stay well offshore but some of the heavier storms could clip coastal areas especially in Terrebonne and Plaquemines parishes late Friday night or early Saturday morning. So at least we’ll say look-out for nasty storms for our offshore community and expect the possibility of soaking rains inland (with a few embedded rumbles of thunder possible) Friday night into early Saturday. Drier conditions should move in time for the Ragin Cajun game Saturday evening with a sunny and cool Sunday anticipated. Another quick moving system could bring another round of rain and perhaps storms by next Tuesday. Rob