The intense summer heat has made itself comfortable across the southeast for a few days now and there’s no end in sight. Currently the states of Louisiana and Mississippi are under an excessive heat warning and heat advisory.
An excessive heat warning is issued when our heat index, feel-like temperatures, exceed 113° or have an actual temperature above 105°. These high temperatures pose a threat for heat related illnesses like heat exhaustion or stroke.
A heat advisory is issued when our heat index sits between 108° and 112° or we have an actual temperature of 103°.
We’ve had a few heat advisories issued this summer but this is the first time an excessive heat warning has been issued in 1,462 days, since August 12, 2015. Almost 4 years ago.
An excessive heat warning has been issued for parts of southeast Louisiana and Mississippi including East Baton Rouge, East Feliciana, Livingston, St. Helena Parish and Pike, Amite, Walthall and Wilkinson County until 8 p.m. tonight.
A heat advisory continues for Ascension, Iberville, Pointe Coupee, and West Baton Rouge Parish until 8 p.m. tonight.
With temperatures sitting this high it’s important to remember your heat safety tips:
- Stay hydrated
- Look before you lock
- Wear light colored clothing
- Take frequent breaks in the shade
- Check on the elderly
- Do outside activities during the coolest hours of the day