Shreveport, Louisiana – Anyone spending time outdoors across the ArkLaTex today should take precautions against dangerous heat as afternoon heat index values climb as high as 109 degrees. While isolated showers and thunderstorms may provide brief relief for some communities, most locations will endure another day of oppressive summer heat before temperatures ease later in the week.
According to the National Weather Service in Shreveport, a Heat Advisory remains in effect until 8 p.m. for portions of northeast Texas, southeast Oklahoma, southwest Arkansas, and northern Louisiana. Afternoon high temperatures will range from the middle 90s to near 100 degrees, with the combination of heat and humidity creating heat index values between 105 and 109 degrees.
The greatest chance for showers and thunderstorms today will be across the northern and eastern portions of the region, including areas near El Dorado, Monroe, and Hope, where rain chances range from around 40 to 55 percent. Communities farther west, including Tyler, Longview, and Lufkin, have lower rain chances and are more likely to experience prolonged heat.
Cities including Shreveport, Texarkana, Natchitoches, Mount Pleasant, and Homer are expected to reach the upper 90s this afternoon. Major roadways including Interstates 20, 30, 49, and 220 will remain dry for many travelers, although any thunderstorms that develop could produce brief heavy rain and reduced visibility.
Residents should drink plenty of water, wear lightweight, light-colored clothing, limit strenuous outdoor activity during the hottest part of the afternoon, and check on older adults, young children, and pets. Those without reliable air conditioning should seek a cooling center or other air-conditioned location if possible.
The Heat Advisory remains in effect through this evening, and additional heat-related alerts could be issued if dangerous conditions persist into the end of the week.
