Lake Charles, La. – Fans packing bleachers for high school football games Thursday and Friday night will deal with stifling heat, as temperatures remain in the upper 80s at kickoff with heat indices climbing near 100 degrees.
According to the National Weather Service in Lake Charles, no rain or storms are expected, but humidity and heat will elevate risks for dehydration, muscle cramping, and heat stress for players and spectators. Winds out of the south at 3 to 8 mph will do little to ease the conditions.
Kickoff temperatures both nights are expected to range from 84 to 90 degrees, with readings only falling into the low 80s by the final whistle. The heat index will hover between 90 and 100, creating challenging conditions on the field. The wet bulb globe temperature — a measure used to gauge heat stress during outdoor activity — will remain in the upper 70s to low 80s, signaling potentially dangerous exertion levels for athletes.
Fans should stay hydrated, take cooling breaks, and monitor athletes closely for signs of heat exhaustion. Emergency managers caution that prolonged exposure could cause medical issues, even late in the evening.
Hot and humid evenings are expected to linger into the weekend, with no relief in sight until early next week.
Five Day Forecast for Lake Charles, La.
- Thursday: High 90, low 76; humid with heat index near 95.
- Friday: High 91, low 76; hot and humid, heat index 100.
- Saturday: High 92, low 75; mostly sunny, humid.
- Sunday: High 91, low 74; hot, muggy, slight evening breeze.
- Monday: High 90, low 73; continued humid, slight chance of a shower.
