KATC StormTeam 3 Weather BLOG

This week will be characterized by milder, spring-like conditions with stormy weather for Wednesday and then possibly again late Saturday.  In the near term, dense sea fog may form later this evening across the coastal areas and will migrate northward through morning.  Dense fog advisories may be issued for portions of Acadiana later tonight.  After a foggy start tomorrow Acadiana will see mostly cloudy and mild conditions.  Highs will be dictated by the amount and thickness of the cloud cover and by a few possible intervals of sun; upper 60s to near 70 would be a good call at this point.  There may be a few embedded isolated sprinkles in the cloud cover tomorrow but the real action will start Wednesday.  A rather potent upper level disturbance will initiate a warm frontal boundary/trough across the area Wednesday which will likely produce thunderstorms across the Acadiana.  Upper level wind profiles, instability and orientation of the sub-tropical jet stream will favor a significant risk of severe weather, but lower level instability and a surface focal points may be lacking.  The Storm Prediction Center does have Acadiana hatched in for a slight risk of severe weather Wednesday, but the potential dynamics may favor future upgrades to a moderate risk.  The bottom line is to expect active thunderstorms Wednesday with a couple of inches of rain possible and more than likely a tornado or severe thunderstorm watch for most the area sometime on Wednesday.  Spring-like conditions will follow this weather system Thursday through Saturday with highs pushing into the low-mid 70s.  The next weather-maker will likely get here for late Saturday presenting another opportunity of strong to severe storms either late Saturday and/or Saturday night.  Sunday will bring gradual clearing and cooler conditions with highs topping out in the lower 60s.  Stay with KATC and be aware of potential weather hazards that could develop in Acadiana through Wednesday.