While there appears little in the way of substantial changes to Acadiana's weather pattern this week, two disturbances in the tropics that may be heading toward the Gulf of Mexico into next week could allow for a wetter forecast for the area.
In the near term, expect fair skies accompanied by relatively comfortable temperatures (for mid-August) in the lower 70s through Wednesday morning, followed by a mostly sunny and hot day.
Temperatures Wednesday will again push the low-mid 90s, but there might be a slightly better chance of an afternoon shower or storm...up to 10-20%.
Little change is anticipated in our local pattern Thursday through Saturday...but rain chances could go up starting Sunday and continue into next week.
See the KATC 10 Day Forecast for the latest.
Meanwhile, two tropical disturbances in the Atlantic Basin were showing more promise of developing Tuesday.
Disturbance 97L in the Eastern Caribbean has been assigned a 70% chance for development by the National Hurricane Center (NHC) by the end of the week and/or weekend, especially when its forward speed slows in the Northwestern Caribbean.
The following system, Disturbance 98L in the mid-tropical Atlantic, was looking much more organized on satellite imagery Tuesday afternoon, and will mostly likely to become a depression or tropical storm within the next 24-46 hours.
While details on the potential evolution of these remains in question, it does appear that both systems could be ear-marked for the Gulf of Mexico into next week.
It is way too early and uncertain on the timing and specific impacts of these systems and where they will manifest, but either one or both may have hurricane potential..or may not develop significantly at all (a less likely scenario).
Nonetheless for now, it appears that deeper tropical moisture will be loading up in the Gulf of Mexico next week, with the moisture associated with 97L impacting portions of the Gulf Coast States and/or Mexico early next week followed by the moisture and potential impacts of 98L a couple of days later that could also impact portions of the Southeast/East U.S.
And sure enough, the Climate Prediction Center is forecasting a very active period in the Atlantic over the next two to four weeks, which coincides with the climatological peak of hurricane season.
The next couple of names on the Atlantic Hurricane list are Laura and Marco.
The forecast for these systems will certainly become more interesting in the days ahead, so stay with KATC, katc.com and social media for the latest.
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