Near record heat continues. Rain relief on the way by late week?

Near record heat continues. Rain relief on the way by late week?

NEW ORLEANS — Today marked day 15 consecutively with a high temperature at or above 95, which is 3-6+ degrees above normal.

In addition, today marked 16 days without measurable rainfall at the New Orleans International Airport.

Drought conditions have started to develop, and only slight relief expected through Friday. Daily heat alerts likely with afternoon high temperatures between 95-98 across the area. Feels-like temperatures 105-110 likely. A few daily spotty thunderstorms likely in the afternoon with slightly higher rain coverage by late week.

By Saturday-Sunday, as high pressure backs away and a few disturbances move in from the north, rain chances look to pop up. Daily scattered storms look plausible Saturday-Monday. Right now, I’ve maintained rain coverage at 40-50%, but those may need to be nudged upwards if model trends continue.

#Ernesto likely to near hurricane intensity tonight as it passes through the Virgin Islands & Puerto Rico. 8-10+ inches of rain possible in hot spots. Wind gusts 45-80mph likely. Sporadic power outages likely.

Conditions begin to improve by late Wednesday into Thursday morning as system intensifies and takes sharp turn to the north.

Potential to near #Bermuda as Category 2 or Category 3 hurricane by Saturday-Sunday.

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