Shreveport Might Not See Rain until After Labor Day

Shreveport may be in for a long stretch of triple-digit heat, and one meteorologist says there may not be much relief before Labor Day.
Weather Channel meteorologist Richard Lewelling says the heat dome parked over the Ark-La-Tex could keep temperatures near or above 100 degrees for much of the next two weeks. The latest forecast supports at least part of that concern, with highs of 100 degrees or hotter expected through Monday, August 24.

Triple-Digit Heat May Not Be Going Anywhere

Lewelling said forecast models begin easing temperatures back into the upper 90s later in the period, but he is not convinced the drop will happen as quickly as the numbers suggest.
“I still think that there’s going to be a reinforcement of this ridge,” Lewelling told KEEL News on Monday. “We’ll probably keep this pattern all the way through Labor Day the way things are looking right now.”
That could mean more afternoons above 100, followed by nights that do little to cool things down. Lewelling said overnight lows could stay in the upper 70s and lower 80s, keeping air conditioners running nearly nonstop.

Northwest Louisiana Is Drying Out Fast

The bigger concern may be what happens if the heat continues without widespread rainfall. Lewelling said Shreveport is running roughly three to four inches below normal rainfall for the year and noted that much of northwest Louisiana has already moved into abnormally dry or drought conditions.

The latest U.S. Drought Monitor shows drought affecting portions of Caddo Parish, while NOAA’s Climate Prediction Center is also highlighting a rapid-onset drought risk across portions of the Lower Mississippi Valley.

“That’s something that we’re going to be watching close as well,” Lewelling said.

A Few Storms May Not Be Enough

The current Shreveport forecast does include a few chances for isolated afternoon thunderstorms this week. Those storms could bring temporary relief to a few neighborhoods, but widespread soaking rain is not currently showing up in the forecast.
For people working outside, the heat remains the immediate concern. Highs are forecast to reach 103 Monday and 105 Tuesday, with dangerous heat continuing through much of the week.
If Lewelling’s longer-range concern proves correct, northwest Louisiana may be dealing with the same basic weather pattern into the final days of August: extreme heat, warm nights and a growing need for rain. That would be a rough finish to August.