Peak ridging in place

The pesky ridge of high pressure responsible for the heat and lack of rain will be reaching its peak intensity and influence today. There will remain some influence through the start of the work week, but things are changing and we won't see it shift back directly overhead and be quite as strong for at least a week or so. So, what does that mean. Things will be changing, and as far as temperatures, it'll remain very hot today through Monday with some changes coming for mid to late week.

First thing that will bring some changes and will be of great interest is a cold front. Yeah...a cold front in August. As this feature approaches, it will increase rain chances, but not too much as there will be a lack of deep moisture. Rain chances should increase to around 20% over Acadiana Monday and to 40% Tuesday. Farther west, the Houston area will be drier with a 10% on Monday and 30% on Tuesday. Afternoon and evening hours should hold the highest rain chances. Thunderstorms that develop could be strong and lead to some brief strong wind gusts, lightning and brief heavy rain. They shouldn't last very long so that will keep rainfall totals in check (unfortunately).

Besides increased rain chances, this front is actually now expected to slide through much of the area and bring some drier air in. It's still uncertain how much humidity will be wiped away, I'm still skeptical, but we could see some more comfortable morning/evenings starting Tuesday night and continuing through Wednesday. Afternoon highs will still be very hot, but heat index values will be lower. Depending on the timing of the drier air moving in, actual temperatures could get really hot Tuesday as drier air heats up more quickly and easily.

In the extended, we will see humidity increase late next week and the ridge of high pressure will start to build back in. However, the ridge will likely be centered farther to the north and we likely won't see as hot conditions...still plenty hot though. Also, with the ridge farther north, that should allow for at least the daily risk of a few afternoon/evening showers and storms. Nothing is pointing towards any widespread activity or heavy rainfall so significant drought relief is not expected for a while.

Lastly, no tropical threats.