Cooler and very dry conditions on Wednesday raise the risk of fire

LAKE CHARLES, La. (KPLC) – A true taste of fall has arrived in SWLA, with comfortable to cool temperatures for the rest of the week.

Very dry air and gusty winds moving behind a cold front are creating a fire threat this morning. A Red Flag Warning is in effect for all communities from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. and a wind advisory is in effect for all communities along and south of I-10 beginning at 4 p.m. Morning until 4 p.m. In addition to the existing burn bans, burns of any kind are strongly discouraged as fires spread easily and can spread quickly.

The beautiful part of the cold front has also arrived. True autumn weather is expected on Wednesday with breezy northerly winds. Even during the hottest part of the day, highs are expected to remain in the 70s as the breeze dies down a bit. The chance of rain remains completely out of the forecast, so enjoy the sunshine and cool breeze!

We'll really notice the cooler weather overnight, with temperatures expected to reach 40 degrees Thursday morning north of I-10 and temperatures in the low 50s along I-10. At least a light jacket or windbreaker outside would be a good idea again early on Thursday! Sunny and pleasant conditions are likely to remain with us for at least the rest of this week and even into the weekend as temperatures slowly rise again.

The disadvantage of the dry weather remains the lack of rain, which is still missing in the 10-day forecast. An extension or worsening of the moderate drought we are in is certainly possible next week. Avoid burns and exercise caution during all outdoor activities. The continued dry weather also means there may be further burn bans. So be careful with your outdoor plans and be sure to check local advisories.

There are a few areas in the tropics where development is being observed, but nothing that is overly affecting SWLA or even the Gulf. According to the NHC, the likelihood of tropical development in the southern Caribbean is low this week as a widespread low pressure area could form. Still, models disagree about whether development will occur and whether whatever emerges is likely to move to Central America. Another wave is moving westward in the tropical Atlantic. Some development could be possible later this week as it approaches the Leeward Islands. However, since it is several thousand miles from SWLA, there is no need to worry. But we'll see what happens. The rest of the basin is calm and no development is expected over the next week.

For a look at current conditions, our hourly forecast, radar and other forecast tools, visit the KPLC weather page: https://www.kplctv.com/weather/

Copyright 2024 KPLC. All rights reserved.