Wetter and not as hot

The stubborn ridge of high pressure that has plagued us this summer is starting to weaken and retreat to the southwest U.S. This, along with a weak cold front sliding in spells big changes for our region next week. We just have to get through a couple more very hot days today and tomorrow.

Today should be a couple degrees hotter than yesterday with a similar very slight risk of a storm or two. Things get very interesting Sunday. Lighter winds and some compressional heating out ahead of the weak cold front sagging towards the area will lead to very hot temperatures. Likely a degree or two warmer than today. However, models are trending a little more expansive with showers and thunderstorms ahead of the front, and I think some areas in Acadiana and the greater Houston area will see some relief in the form of a few thunderstorms over the second half of the afternoon. I'd say a good 40% of the area will see at least a little rain. It'll probably be 40-50% coverage north of I-10 and 20-30% to the south. Thunderstorms that do pop could again carry some very gusty winds. Rain should be brief but heavy.

The weak front hanging around and moisture pooling should lead to good rain chances areawide Monday. A good 60-70% coverage is currently expected. Some spots could get a couple inches of rain. Most areas will be in the 0.25 to 1.0 inch range though (still not bad!). On Tuesday, the expected tropical storm in the eastern Gulf will pull some drier air in and probably lead to lowering rain chances AND lowering humidity. The low rain chances and lower humidity should last through Wednesday and Thursday with humidity returning on Friday. What a forecast though! Increasing rain chances...eventually some lower humidity. Praise God! Just need to get through today and most of tomorrow!

In the extended forecast, I'm expecting less ridging and more troughing which should lead to better rain chances and less ridiculous heat.